#OVER55--Cáceres: A Journey to the Medieval Past in a World Heritage City

Accommodation at the Gran Hotel Don Manuel ****: All the hotels are on a street but the Gran Hotel Don Manuel has its own street, its own square... it claims to be “a city within a city”. They like to talk about the GHDM ecosystem, gastronomy, events, culture, experiences... a unique space. And although they are a modern hotel, they share history and space with the old San Antonio de Padua School, the emblematic center of the city of Cáceres. 80 years of history of a building through which generations of students passed.

Lunch and private visit with an official guide, to visit the exterior of the old town, where we will see:

The Plaza Mayor: which is, without a doubt, a must-see in the city. It is surrounded by 16th century arcades and, in it, you will find: The Town Hall, La Torre de Bujaco, La Torre de los Púlpitos La Torre de Yerba, La Ermita de la Paz and El Arco de la Estrella, it is the main entrance door to the walled enclosure of Cáceres. Although it opened in the 15th century, its current form is the work of Manuel de Lara Churriguera and was built in 1726.

Plaza de Santa María: This square is another of the most important in the city. It was long used as a market and even as a wedding venue for the nobility. In it you will see: The Co-Cathedral of Cáceres, a church that dates back to the 13th century but, after its destruction, was rebuilt as it is now during the 15th and 16th centuries. The Episcopal Palace, its oldest part dates back to the 13th century and its last modification to the 17th century. The Palace of Hernando de Ovando, Renaissance style. The Mayoralgo Palace, with a beautiful 16th century façade that was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War in 1937 and later rebuilt. The Provincial Palace, which was originally a convent, stands out for its Renaissance façade. The Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo is located in the Plaza de los golfines, next to the Plaza de Santa María. It is a construction that dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

San Jorge Square: In this beautiful square you will be surprised by the Church of San Francisco Javier, a baroque-style Jesuit church built in the 18th century. It is one of those corners that make Cáceres one of the charming cities in Spain.

The Wall: Without a doubt, it is one of the main monuments of Cáceres. It is of Roman origin and later, in the 12th century, it was rebuilt by the Almohads. Dinner and accommodation.

After breakfast, we will visit the collection of the Helga de Alvear Museum of Contemporary Art in the company of an expert guide. This museum is the most important private collection of international contemporary art in Spain and one of the most relevant in Europe. The Co-Cathedral of Cáceres, a church that dates back to the 13th century but, after its destruction, was rebuilt as it is now during the 15th and 16th centuries. Non-private guided tour of the Jusuf Al-Burch Arab House Museum. Don José De la Torre Gentil, founder of this museum and a native of Cáceres, bought the building in which he lived from the 60s onwards. When the competent works began, The original remains of a 12th century Arab house built on an ancient Roman enclosure came to light (as is the house's thermal baths and heating system). From the moment Mr. De la Torre was aware of the importance of Upon discovery, he undertook a personal odyssey that would end up opening this house as a museum, as you see it today, not an easy dream, since it took about 15 years from when he discovered it until he was able to open it to the public. After lunch, bath and relaxing massage in Arab Baths. Massage duration 45 minutes. The total duration is an hour and a half. Then return to the hotel and dinner.

After breakfast, free time until departure back home. End of services.