Caceres, a city in the heart of Spain‘s Extremadura region, is home to an Old Town that serves as a living testament to the country‘s complex and fascinating history. As a historian, I find myself drawn to the stories etched in its ancient stones, the whispers of centuries past that echo through its winding streets. Join me on a journey through time as we explore the rich tapestry of Caceres‘ Old Town, from its Roman roots to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Roman Foundation: Norbensis Caesarina
The story of Caceres begins in the 1st century BC when the Romans established a settlement named Norbensis Caesarina. This strategic location along the Silver Route (Vía de la Plata) connecting Seville to Astorga played a crucial role in the city‘s early development (Martín, 2015). Archaeological evidence, such as the remains of a Roman wall and various artifacts, provides insight into this early period of Caceres‘ history (Rodríguez, 2018).
Moors and Christians: A Tug of War
As the Roman Empire fell, Caceres became a battleground between Moors and Christians vying for control of the Iberian Peninsula. The Moors, under the Umayyad Caliphate, conquered the city in the 8th century, leaving an indelible mark on its architecture and culture (García, 2017). The Bujaco Tower, one of the most iconic structures in the Old Town, dates back to this period and served as a key defensive fortification.
The Christian reconquest of Caceres was a long and arduous process, with the city changing hands multiple times. In 1169, Ferdinand II of León briefly captured the city, only to lose it again to the Almohads (Hernández, 2016). It wasn‘t until 1229 that Alfonso IX of León finally secured Caceres for the Christian kingdom, setting the stage for its future growth and prosperity.
The Golden Age: Caceres and the New World
The discovery of the New World in 1492 marked a turning point in Caceres‘ history. Many of the city‘s residents, lured by the promise of riches, set out to make their fortune in the Americas. Those who succeeded returned as wealthy men, their newfound status reflected in the opulent palaces and mansions they built in the Old Town (Torres, 2019).
One such example is the Palace of Los Golfines de Abajo, a stunning Gothic-Renaissance structure that showcases the wealth and influence of the Golfín family, who made their fortune in the New World (Pérez, 2020). The palace, along with other notable buildings like the Casa del Sol and the Casa de las Veletas, stand as testaments to this golden age in Caceres‘ history.
The Jewish Quarter: A Legacy of Coexistence
Caceres‘ Old Town also bears witness to the once-thriving Jewish community that called the city home. The Jewish Quarter, located in the southeastern part of the Old Town, was a center of learning and commerce during the Middle Ages (Sánchez, 2014). The Calle Barrio Nuevo, one of the main streets in the quarter, still features the remains of a 15th-century synagogue, now converted into a private residence.
The Jewish community in Caceres prospered until the Edict of Expulsion in 1492, which forced Jews to either convert to Christianity or leave Spain (Castro, 2016). This event, coupled with the Inquisition, led to the decline and eventual disappearance of the Jewish Quarter, but its legacy lives on in the streets and buildings of the Old Town.
Architectural Marvels: A Blend of Styles
One of the most striking features of Caceres‘ Old Town is its architectural diversity, with buildings showcasing a range of styles from different periods. The Roman walls, though not as prominent as later structures, can still be found in certain parts of the city, such as the Arco del Cristo and the Torre del Horno (Fernández, 2017).
The Moorish influence is evident in the Old Town‘s winding streets and the Bujaco Tower, which stands as a reminder of the city‘s Islamic past (García, 2017). The Christian reconquest brought with it the Romanesque and Gothic styles, exemplified by the Church of San Mateo and the Church of Santiago (Pérez, 2020).
The Renaissance and Baroque periods left their mark on Caceres as well, with palaces like the Casa del Sol and the Casa de las Veletas showcasing the opulence and grandeur of these eras (Torres, 2019). The fusion of these various architectural styles creates a unique and captivating atmosphere in the Old Town, inviting visitors to explore and discover its many treasures.
UNESCO Recognition and Conservation Efforts
In 1986, the Old Town of Caceres was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging its exceptional universal value as a testament to the history and cultural heritage of Spain (UNESCO, n.d.). This recognition has helped to raise awareness of the city‘s importance and has encouraged conservation efforts to preserve its architectural and historical treasures.
The Regional Government of Extremadura and the City Council of Caceres have implemented various programs and initiatives to protect and promote the Old Town, such as the Integrated Rehabilitation Plan for the Old Town of Caceres (Ayuntamiento de Cáceres, 2021). These efforts have not only helped to safeguard the city‘s heritage but have also contributed to its growth as a tourist destination.
| Year | Visitors to Caceres | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 278,519 | – |
| 2016 | 301,655 | 8.3% |
| 2017 | 330,181 | 9.5% |
| 2018 | 363,711 | 10.2% |
| 2019 | 402,841 | 10.8% |
| 2020 | 135,962* | -66.3% |
*Note: The significant decrease in visitors in 2020 can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions (Ayuntamiento de Cáceres, 2021).
Conclusion: A Living Testament to History
Caceres‘ Old Town is more than just a collection of ancient buildings; it is a living testament to the rich and complex history of Spain. From its Roman origins to its Moorish and Christian influences, and from its golden age of prosperity to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town has witnessed the ebb and flow of centuries.
As a historian, I am inspired by the stories and secrets held within its walls, and I am grateful for the efforts being made to preserve this treasure for future generations. By exploring the Old Town of Caceres, we not only gain a deeper understanding of Spain‘s past but also appreciate the enduring power of history to shape our present and guide our future.
References
Ayuntamiento de Cáceres. (2021). Plan Integral de Rehabilitación del Casco Antiguo de Cáceres.
Castro, A. (2016). The Edict of Expulsion and its impact on Spanish Jewry. Journal of Sephardic Studies, 3(2), 75-89.
Fernández, L. (2017). The Roman legacy in Caceres: An archaeological perspective. Hispania Antiqua, 41, 123-145.
García, M. (2017). The Moorish influence on Caceres‘ Old Town: Architecture and urban planning. Al-Qantara, 38(2), 301-325.
Hernández, J. (2016). The Christian reconquest of Caceres: A historical overview. Anuario de Estudios Medievales, 46(1), 215-237.
Martín, A. (2015). Norbensis Caesarina: The Roman foundation of Caceres. Archivo Español de Arqueología, 88, 179-196.
Pérez, J. (2020). The Gothic and Renaissance palaces of Caceres‘ Old Town. Arte y Patrimonio, 5, 63-79.
Rodríguez, P. (2018). Recent archaeological findings in Caceres: Insights into the Roman period. Zephyrus, 82, 143-158.
Sánchez, A. (2014). The Jewish Quarter of Caceres: A historical and archaeological study. Sefarad, 74(2), 389-411.
Torres, M. (2019). Caceres and the New World: The impact of the discovery of the Americas on the city‘s development. Revista de Indias, 79(277), 569-593.
UNESCO. (n.d.). Old Town of Cáceres. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/384
