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The region
is crossed
from east
to west by
two
important
rivers,
the Tagus
and the
Guadiana.
The Tagus
feeds the
huge
Alcantara
reservoir
which is
the
largest in
western
Europe.
Its size
is such
that it
could
supply
every
inhabitant
in the
world with
500 litres
of water.
Extremadura's
history is
known to
date back
to
pre-Roman
times when
cave
dwellers
lived in
the area.
Over time
every
civilisation
has left
its mark
in the
region and
this is
best seen
by the
Roman
history to
be found
in
Merida.
The
monumental
city of
Caceres
has been
appointed
a Heritage
of mankind
city and
contains a
wealth of
historical
monuments.
However
this is
not a city
held back
in time.
Caceres
has
adapted
itself to
the new
influx of
tourists
exploring
the narrow
streets
and
beautiful
squares.
Trujillo
which is
located
just 45km
east of
Cáceres is
a
beautiful
walled
town dated
from the
13th
century
and is one
of the
best
places to
visit in
the
region.
Guadalupe
is a
village of
great
importance
and is
dominated
by the
Gothic
monastery.
A guided
visit
round the
monastery
lasts
about an
hour. The
former
hospital
that
stands
opposite
the
monastery
now houses
the
Parador.
Plasencia
is the
second
most
important
city
within the
Caceres
province.
It has
around
37,000
inhabitants
and stands
along the
River
Jerte. The
city has
two
cathedrals,
one of
which
dates from
the 13th
century.
There are
also
several
palaces
and a
hunting
museum
worthy of
a visit.
The
surrounding
countryside
is a vast
carpet of
green. As
you make
your way
through
the region
you pass
through
such
places as
the Garden
of la
Vera, the
Valley of
the River
Jerte and
the Sierra
de Gata.
You will
almost
stumble
across
tiny
hamlets
and
villages,
each with
its own
unique
character.
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