Caceres history

The history of Cáceres dates back to the Roman era. The city was founded around 25 BC (according to other sources — in 34 BC) by the Roman proconsul Lucius Cornelius Balbus. Initially, the settlement was granted the status of a colony and named Norba Caesarina. A significant military camp, Castra Caecilia, was also located nearby, traces of which have survived to this day.

Several key factors contributed to the transformation of the small settlement into a significant city:

• Strategic Geography: The city was established on elevated ground, providing natural protection against raids and allowing control over the surrounding plains.
• Transport Accessibility: Cáceres was situated near the Vía de la Plata ("The Silver Way") — a vital Roman highway connecting Mérida and Astorga. This ensured a constant flow of goods and travellers.
• Political Role: Norba Caesarina served as an administrative and tax centre for a vast territory in the province of Lusitania.

In the early period, the region's economy was based on agriculture, cattle breeding, and trade, which flourished due to the proximity to imperial roads. The cultural landscape of the city changed radically in the 12th century with the arrival of the Moors. It was during the Arab period that the city received the name Al-Qazires, which translates as "fortress" or "citadel". The Moors rebuilt the Roman fortifications, erecting powerful walls and towers made of rammed earth, laying the foundation for the unique architectural ensemble that attracts tourists from all over the world today.

• Around 25 BC — The Romans found the colony of Norba Caesarina, the predecessor of the modern city.
• 12th Century — During the Almohad rule, powerful fortress walls and towers made of adobe (rammed earth) are erected, defining the appearance of the old city.
• April 23, 1229 — King Alfonso IX of León finally reconquers the city from the Moors on St. George's Day.
• 1477 — Queen Isabella of Castile orders the battlements of noble houses' towers to be demolished (except for the Tower of the Storks) to end aristocratic infighting.
• 16th Century — The "Golden Age" of construction begins, when magnificent Renaissance palaces are built with funds from Conquistadors returning from the New World.
• 1833 — During territorial reforms, Cáceres receives the status of capital of the province of the same name.
• 1882 — King Alfonso XII officially grants the settlement the title of city.
• 1949 — The city's historical ensemble is granted the status of a National Monument of Spain.
• 1968 — The Council of Europe recognises Cáceres as the third most significant monumental complex in Europe after Prague and Tallinn.
• 1986 — The Old Town (Ciudad Monumental) is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The development of Cáceres is a journey from a strategic military outpost to a modern university and tourism hub. The city was shaped by shifting cultures, the influx of colonial gold, and industrial breakthroughs. Below are the key stages that defined the city's current appearance and economy.

• Formation on the "Silver Way" (Vía de la Plata)
  Its location on one of the main Roman highways turned the city into an important logistics hub. This laid the foundation for the region's trade connections and defined the layout of the road network that is still in use today.

• Almohad Fortification (12th Century)
  The construction of powerful fortress walls and towers made of rammed earth (tapia) not only strengthened defensive capabilities but also fixed the boundaries of the historical centre ("Ciudad Monumental"). This compact development has remained almost unchanged, creating a unique urban environment.

• Architectural Unification (1477)
  Queen Isabella of Castile's order to demolish the battlements from the towers of local nobility (except for the Cáceres-Ovando tower) had immense urban planning significance. This event changed the city's silhouette, transforming it from a collection of feudal fortresses into a unified administrative centre under royal authority.

• "Golden Age" and Colonial Capital (16th Century)
  Many natives of Extremadura, returning as wealthy Conquistadors from the Americas, invested in building luxurious Renaissance-style palaces. This economic injection radically updated the housing stock and gave the city its current aristocratic appearance.

• Status as Provincial Capital (1833)
  The designation of Cáceres as the administrative centre of the province stimulated the development of the service sector and bureaucratic apparatus. This led to population growth and the need to expand the city beyond the medieval walls.

• Mining Boom and the Railway (Late 19th Century)
  The discovery of phosphate deposits in the Aldea Moret area and the arrival of the railway in 1881 became catalysts for industrialisation. The city began to grow rapidly, new working-class neighbourhoods and modern infrastructure appeared, diversifying an economy that previously relied solely on the agrarian sector.

• Creation of the University of Extremadura (1973)
  The opening of the university campus rejuvenated the city's population and boosted the development of culture, science, and the rental housing market. The student environment breathed new life into the social sphere of Cáceres.

• UNESCO Recognition and Shift to Tourism (1986)
  The inclusion of the Old Town in the World Heritage list was a turning point for the modern economy. The city reoriented towards international tourism, leading to large-scale restoration of monuments and the development of the hospitality industry.

Architectural Appearance and Styles

The urban fabric of Cáceres is unique in its integrity. The historical centre, known as the Ciudad Monumental, represents a rare example of a city where the architecture of different eras did not displace but layered upon one another, creating a harmonious ensemble. Here, Roman foundations, Islamic fortification, austere Gothic, and opulent Renaissance styles blend together.

Evolution of Styles and Eras

The development of the city can be clearly traced through the changing architectural landmarks, each corresponding to a specific historical period:

• Roman Period and Almohads (1st Century BC — 12th Century):
  The foundation of the city. Fragments of masonry and the Arch of Christ (Arco del Cristo) remain from the Romans. Moorish influence dominates in fortification: the famous city walls and towers built of tapial (rammed earth/adobe), such as the renowned Bujaco Tower.
• Gothic (14th–15th Centuries):
  During this period, Cáceres was built as a fortress city. Buildings were characterised by massiveness, narrow arrow-slit windows, and a lack of excessive decoration. A prime example is the Co-cathedral of Santa María, combining Romanesque roots with Gothic vaults, and the fortified mansions of the nobility, such as the House of the Sun (Casa del Sol).
• Renaissance (16th Century):
  The era of prosperity linked to the return of Conquistadors from the New World. Austere fortresses transformed into elegant palaces (palacios). Facades were adorned with coats of arms, and internal courtyards (patios) and Plateresque style elements appeared. At this time, the city's appearance softened, becoming more ceremonial.
• Baroque (17th–18th Centuries):
  This style manifested primarily in religious architecture and marked the city's expansion beyond the medieval walls. Characteristic features include opulence, dynamic forms, and whitewashed facades contrasting with the golden stone of the old city.

Iconic Structures

The appearance of Cáceres was shaped by several key buildings that have become symbols of architectural synthesis:

• Palace of the Golfines de Abajo (Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo): A masterpiece combining the Gothic structure of a fortress with an exquisite Plateresque facade. It was here that the Catholic Monarchs stayed.
• Church of San Francisco Javier (Iglesia de San Francisco Javier): The main landmark of Plaza de San Jorge. This 18th-century Jesuit temple in the Baroque style, with two white towers, stands out sharply against the medieval backdrop.
• Carvajal Palace (Palacio de Carvajal): An example of the transition from Gothic to Renaissance, known for its cylindrical tower and magnificent internal garden.
• Toledo-Moctezuma Palace (Palacio de Toledo-Moctezuma): A building with a unique history, built by a descendant of the Aztec Emperor, combining Spanish Renaissance with elements hinting at a colonial past.

Distinguished Personalities of Cáceres

The history of Cáceres was created by Roman commanders, medieval knights, adventurers of the Age of Discovery, and cultural figures. Below are key figures whose names are inextricably linked with the city's destiny.

• Lucius Cornelius Balbus the Younger (1st Century BC)
  Roman military commander and proconsul
  The de facto founder of the city. It was he who, in 34–25 BC, established the colony of Norba Caesarina, which subsequently evolved into modern Cáceres. His statue today adorns one of the city's squares, reminding visitors of the region's Roman roots.

• Diego de Ovando (15th Century)
  Influential nobleman and captain
  A key figure in the political intrigues of the time of the Catholic Monarchs. He supported Isabella of Castile in the war of succession, for which he received a unique privilege: his palace (Palacio de las Cigüeñas) was the only one in the city allowed to retain a high battlemented tower, while others were truncated as punishment for disobedience.

• Francisco de Godoy (1505–1564)
  Conquistador and town planner
  An associate of Francisco Pizarro in the conquest of Peru. Returning to his hometown with a vast fortune, he built a magnificent Renaissance palace next to the Church of Santiago. His legacy is a vivid example of how gold from the New World transformed the architectural appearance of Cáceres.

• Juan Cano de Saavedra (c. 1502–1572)
  Explorer and captain
  A native of Cáceres who became famous for his marriage to Isabel Moctezuma, the daughter of the last Aztec Emperor. This union symbolised the merging of two worlds. Their descendants lived in Cáceres and built the famous Toledo-Moctezuma Palace, which is one of the main attractions today.

• Saint Peter of Alcantara (1499–1562)
  Franciscan friar and mystic
  Patron saint of Extremadura and spiritual mentor to Saint Teresa of Avila. Although born in neighbouring Alcántara, he received his education (grammar and philosophy) in Cáceres. His ascetic lifestyle had a profound influence on the religious culture of Spain at that time.

• Leoncia Gómez Galán (1842–1924)
  Washerwoman and local legend
  Known popularly as "La Lavandera" (The Washerwoman). She was not a noblewoman but became a symbol of the diligence of the city's common people. Leoncia worked until a very old age and became such an iconic figure of folklore that a bronze monument has been erected in her honour, becoming a popular spot for photographs.

• Ada Salas (born 1965)
  Poet and playwright
  One of the most significant voices in contemporary Spanish poetry. A native of Cáceres and laureate of prestigious literary awards (including the Juan Ramón Jiménez Prize). Her work continues to bring fame to the city on the cultural map of modern Europe.