Art and culture
World Heritage Sites of Extremadura
Cities bursting with history and legend; World Heritage Sites thanks to their monumental architecture.
- Come to Extremadura
- Patrimonio de la Humanidad
Three cultural gems
Cities bursting with history and legend; World Heritage Sites thanks to their monumental architecture.
Amongst the cultural beauty and richness that encompasses every corner of the Autonomous Region of Extremadura, you can discover three World Heritage Site cities: Cáceres, Mérida and Guadalupe.
In Cáceres, you will discover a highly valuable artistic site, as its streets, plazas, palaces and walls are some of the best conserved in both Spain and Europe. When strolling through the streets of the old town, you will be taken back to its most splendorous eras: the Medieval and Renaissance times. A city that will be a strong candidate in your visit to Extremadura.
Mérida was founded by the Romans in the year 25BC with the name Emérita Augusta to pay tribute to the veteran soldiers who fought against the people from Cantabria and Asturias. Rome appointed it as the capital of the Lusitania province.
Its strategic location made it one of the most important and influential cities of the Roman Empire, emphasising its historical heritage that has lasted the test of time and which you can still enjoy today. The city's most important buildings include the Roman Theatre, venue for the Classical Theatre Festival, the Amphitheatre and the Los Milagros Aqueduct. Not forgetting, of course, the Arch of Trajan, the Roman Bridge, the Circus and the Temple of Diana. In summary, it is a city bursting with history that you will experience first hand when walking through its streets.
Guadalupe, located in the region of Las Villuercas (Cáceres) is a renowned spiritual and artistic centre. The Royal Monastery of Guadalupe holds Mudejar art, Gothic architecture and Zurbaran works, amongst many other attractions. However, one piece stands out from the rest: the statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe, patroness of Extremadura.
As you see, if you like history, Extremadura is a place that you simply have to visit. A community with a great artistic heritage and amongst the best conserved.
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More suggestions
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Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
Mérida's Roman past is still very obvious from the many monuments remaining, reflecting life in one of the Empire's provincial capitals.
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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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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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Monfragüe National Park
The Monfragüe National Park is a wonderful place to visit for both ornithology and Mediterranean flora.
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Extremadura's Geopark
The Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark is not to be missed, with its spectacular landscapes, rich biodiversity and paleontological remains.