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 its own atmospheric warren of streets and lanes 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.

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

David Paul Appell