Medieval walls encircle the ancient city of Plasencia. Behind the walls, you’ll find an atmospheric old quarter filled with centuries-old churches, cathedrals and palaces. Relax in leafy parks, sip sangria in the sunny plaza and stroll along the banks of the Jerte River.
Things to do in Plasencia
Walk around the historic centre and admire handsome palaces and mansions built by wealthy noblemen in the 15th century. Plasencia was also an important stop on the Silver Route, an ancient Roman trading road connecting the northern and southern ends of the Iberian Peninsula. Grand civil buildings like the Gothic-style Town Hall and Palacio del Marquesado de Mirabel recall the city’s prosperous past.
Plaza Mayor is the beating heart of the medieval quarter. Almost a dozen streets empty onto the plaza, which is framed by beautiful historic buildings and arcades. Relax on a tree-shaded bench and dine at cafés and tapas bars. The weekly farmers market has been held in the plaza since the 12th century.
Catedral Nueva welcomes you with a magnificent Gothic-Renaissance façade. Inside are intricately carved walnut choir stalls facing a 17th-century altarpiece. Next door is Catedral Vieja, a Romanesque cathedral built in the 13th century. Elegant cloisters wrap around a courtyard anchored by a bubbling fountain and shaded by lemon trees.
Restaurants in Plasencia specialize in dishes from the Extremadura region. Try classics like partridge casserole, roast suckling pig and melt-in-your-mouth “retinto” beef. Traditional “La Serena” sheep’s milk cheeses feature on most menus. Cherries grown in the nearby Jerte Valley are some of the best in Europe and have Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
Getting around Plasencia
Plasencia is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while taxis and buses are a good way to cover longer distances. The city is in the Extremadura region, a 2.5-hour drive from Madrid and three hours by train.