Art and culture
Following in the footsteps of Isabel La Católica
Discover Extremadura by following in the footsteps of Queen Isabel la Católica, on a route that will satisfy both your senses and your curiosities. Culture, history, art, nature and gastronomy combie to offer you a unique experience.
- Come to Extremadura
- Following in the footsteps of Isabel La Católica
A route through history, culture and gastronomy
Discover Extremadura by following in the footsteps of Queen Isabel la Católica, on a route that will satisfy both your senses and your curiosities. Culture, history, art, nature and gastronomy combie to offer you a unique experience.
The protagonist of this route is Isabel La Católica, the Catholic Queen who together with her family, had strong ties to Extremadura. This relationship reached its height during the Spanish War of Succession, much of which was fought on the lands of Extremadura. The King of Portugal established his court in Plasencia, whilst the Catholic Monarchs established theirs in Trujillo, and this is just a part of the story...
Some of the most important places, historically speaking, are in Valencia de Alcántara where Isabel, the daughter of the Catholic Queen, and the King of Portugal were married, an event now commemorated as La Boda Regia (the royal wedding). In Alcántara the Order of Alcántara was united to the Crown and the main noble houses of Cáceres were founded. Plasencia was the setting for the marriage between Juana the "Beltraneja" and Alfonso V of Portugal, and from here they laid claim to the throne, clearly opposing the reign of Isabel. Meanwhile Cáceres was the site of the rebellion of the nobility during the War of Succession. Madrigalejo is where Fernando El Católico died.
But if there is one place in Extremadura with a special significance for Queen Isabel and the Crown of Castile, that place has to be Guadalupe, the monastery of which contains the graves of Henry IV and Mary of Portugal. This place was visited by the queen on several occasions, and sometimes she was received Christopher Columbus here, before his great deed.
On a different note, the old towns of Cáceres and Plasencia served as the natural locations for the filming of the TV series "Isabel".
There are many activities available along this route. All of them beckon one to discover the flavours, aromas and colours of Extremadura, in the towns, in the heart of nature and always hand in hand with the best local gastronomy. Some of the more popular ones are: The camp of the royal troops, On the trail of La Beltraneja, What the King might have told the Queen, Knights' School, Stonecarver and menhir route.
Enjoy!
Much more information available at www.rutadeisabellacatolica.es
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More suggestions
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Royal Monastery of Guadalupe
This holy place, which has been declared a Universal World Heritage Site, stands opposite the Central Square.
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Trujillo, birthplace of discoverers
Already important in the Roman Empire, the Discovery of America brought it universal fame and greatness.
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Plasencia — where culture and nature go hand in hand
The historical heritage of Plasencia holds its own in terms of the cultural interest of the other towns and cities of Extremadura, but with the added attraction of its parks.
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Old quarter of Caceres
The old quarter of the city of Caceres contains a wealth of Renaissance buildings, thanks to its many palaces, stately homes and Cathedral.
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Valencia de Alcántara — a delightful small town in the mountains
From Neolithic dolmens to the Jewish Quarter, Valencia de Alcántara can boast of a heritage worthy of exploration and a gastronomy to be savoured. Its surroundings are ideal for long walks or practising sports activities.
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Remains of Casa Santa María
This large farmhouse, located in the village of Madrigalejo in the province of Cáceres, was the last residence of Fernando el Católico.
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Arribalavilla Castle
The Arribalavilla castle is located next to the town of Zalamea de la Serena and contains within its walls reminders of the Islamic and Christian eras. And also important facts regarding the history of Spanish literature.
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Fregenal de la Sierra, illustrious town
It's extensive civil and religious heritage have managed to preserve the essence of this town.
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Llerena — an artistic centre
The importance of Llerena as a town attracted an endless flow of leading artists who enriched its heritage.