Out west in the Extremadura region, the historic centre of the city of the capital of the eponymous province (pop. 96,000), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks especially to one of the world's most extensive surviving collections of medieval architecture, including spectacular buildings such as the Palacio de las Veletas and the Co-Cathedral of Santa María. Roaming the atmospheric warren of streets and lanes of the old quarter of Cáceres gives as real a time-machine feel as anywhere in Europe - especially because there are virtually no commercial establishments in here such as tourist shops or even bars or restaurants. It´s so atmospheric that it has been a favourite filming site for television and movies, most notably serving as King´s Landing in Game of Thrones.

There are architectural treasures out in Cáceres province, as well, such as the 14th-century Guadalupe Monastery, distinguished by its mix of Gothic and Mudéjar, the Moorish-influence style of the Muslim converts of post-Reconquest Spain; its cloister in particular is one of Europe's loveliest. Another is the town of Trujillo, with extraordinary landmarks such as its Plaza Mayor and Palacio de San Carlos - all under the looming presence of its imposing hilltop castle.

Read more in our post Spain´s Wonderful (and Sometimes Wild) West: Extremadura.

© David Paul Appell