EXTREMADURA - CÁCERES - A FEW DAYS IN PLASENCIA

Aug 8

3 min read

Updated: Aug 21

A FEW DAYS IN PLASENCIA - CÁCERES

We explored the area around the town of Plasencia. Plasencia is a walled market city in the province of Cáceres, Extremadura, with a population of approximately 40,000 residents.

Plasencia, located on the banks of the Jerte River, features a historic quarter due to its strategic position along the Silver Route (Ruta de la Plata), which protected the entrance to the Jerte Valley.

Since the 15th century, the region’s nobility has been moving to Plasencia, shaping its current appearance.

We stayed at the

HOTEL PALACIO CARVAJAL GIRÓN

Plaza Ansano, 1, 10600 Plasencia, Cáceres +34 927 42 63 26 www.palaciocarvajalgiron.com

This charming hotel is situated in a 16th-century Renaissance palace, offering modern and tastefully decorated rooms. It provides an excellent experience of staying in a historic building, located in the centre of Plasencia, within the heart of the Jewish quarter, and just a short distance from the Cathedral.

Another excellent spot to stay would be

PARADOR DE PLASENCIA Plaza de San Vicente Ferrer, 10600 Plasencia +34 927 42 58 70

The Parador is in the old quarter and occupies the Santo Domingo Monastery, built in the 15th century.

It is strategically situated along the ancient trade and pilgrimage route known as Ruta de la Plata.

The bodega at the Parador

On the first evening, we ate at the excellent restaurant.

TENTEMPIE Calle Santa María 11, Plaza De San Esteban, 10600 Plasencia +34 927 41 73 64

This modern gastrobar was probably had the best food we had in Plasencia.

We tried a few of their dishes, including

Tataki de atún (tuna tataki).

Mini Tortilla.

Pato Pekin (Peking duck bun).

Ensalada de quinoa (quinoa salad).

Gyozas de langostinos y jengibre (prawn and ginger dumplings).

The music and service were good despite the busy atmosphere.

With a good selection of wines and beers.

Other restaurants and bars we tried include,

EL RINCON DE AMADOR

Calle San Esteban 14, 10600 Plasencia +34 927 41 30 21

Located just off the central Plaza in Plasencia, this charming restaurant serves a varied menu featuring good food. We tried the local specialty, tapa de migas con huevo.

BAR DANUBIO

Plaza Mayor, 23, 10600 Plasencia, Cáceres +34 927 42 23 08

A visit to Plasencia wouldn’t be complete without spending time at the Plaza Mayor. The square is always bustling with activity. On some evenings, you might see groups of men dressed in minstrel cloaks, carrying lutes (a small guitar-like instrument) and guitars, walking around and singing. It’s a great place to sit back and observe the scene.

Enjoy your drink while browsing the traditional menu above, featuring many dishes we haven't seen in a while.

RESTAURANTE MAGARI Calle Santa Clara, 6, 10600 Plasencia, Cáceres +34 927 70 13 21 www.restaurantemagari.es

A good place for a main meal or tapas

Magari is located downtown, near the Cathedral, and offers an excellent menú del día for €15.90.

The restaurant has an internal living garden.

We had the speciality, Rabo de Toro (Oxtail).

EL RINCÓNCITO Calle Vidrieras 8, 10600 Plasencia, Cáceres +34 927 41 11 50

The cuisine here varies slightly from traditional offerings; it is generous and well-presented.

We had a chickpea hummus tartlet, crispy eggplant, chestnut honey, and pimenton from Vera.

Focaccia caprese (tomate, mozzarella e origano).

PASTELERÍA VIRGIN DEL PUERTO

Calle Morenas, 15, 10600 Plasencia, Cáceres, +34 927 42 09 27

This is a great spot for breakfast, located just a few yards from the Plaza Mayor de Plasencia, directly in front of the Church of San Esteban. They offer delicious cakes and pastries.

We also had a look at

CATEDRAL DE SAN ANTOLÍN Plaza Inmaculada Concepción, 34005 Palencia

The Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in Palencia, dedicated to Saint Antoninus of Pamiers.

The Cathedral, constructed between 1172 and 1504, is built over a low-vaulted Visigothic crypt. This large Gothic structure is often referred to as “The Unknown Beauty,” as it is less well recognised than other Spanish cathedrals.

It is a valuable building whose interior contains many valuable works of art.

The building measures over 130 meters in length, 42 meters in height, and 50 meters in width at its centre, making it one of the largest cathedrals in Spain and Europe.