Besides the Obvious

Trujillo is one of the main tourist attractions of Extremadura due to its monumental architectural complex. The monumental set is officially a cultural heritage since 1962 and the town is a tourist asset not only because of its historical importance but also due to its geographical location, natural environment and gastronomy. In this article we will learn what to do in Trujillo, the cradle of the Spanish conquerors. 

What to expect from Trujillo

Trujillo is one of the main tourist destinations in Extremadura, Spain. The town is in the province of Cáceres, south of the Monfragüe National Park and East to the city of Cáceres. 

Truijllo doesn’t get as much attention as some of Spain’s other popular destinations, but it’s a fascinating stop on your tour of the country. Located in the west of Spain, almost equidistant from Madrid and Lisbon, Portugal, it is an ancient city with a long history. Trujillo justifies a visit by itself but, in adiccion, it is one of the assets of the amazing region of Extremadura which deserves at least a week tour. It is also a good stopover point when departing from Madrid on your way to Portugal. Even if you don’t plan to stop here, you might change your mind once you see the city skyline. 

Trujillo is a medieval town with many buildings dating back to the 16th Century as well. It was important especially during that century since many soldiers, discoverers and conquerors came originally from Trujillo, such as the Pizarro and Orellana families, and they provided the town with money and business opportunities. After the silver stream from America, Trujillo got back to being a sleepy town which kept its secrets untouched to be rediscovered quite recently. Don’t miss them!

What to do in Trujillo

Plaza Mayor 

Plaza Mayor is essentially Trujillo’s main square. It is one of the most spectacular in Spain. It has a fountain, a church and a statue, and many restaurants around it. The square is surrounded by baroque and renaissance stone buildings, with beautiful facades forming a skyline of towers and turrets.

Equestrian monument to Francisco Pizarro

The monument is in Plaza Mayor. This is a great place for a walk and arguably one of the most romantic places in Spain. The main attraction in it is the bronze statue of the famous conqueror Francisco Pizarro. It’s an interesting statue indeed because it wasn’t made for its current purpose. It was carved to resemble Hernán Cortez and given to Mexico. But the general perception of Cortes in Mexico was very negative because of what a conquest means, so the statue was repurposed to represent Pizarro in Trujillo.

Alcazaba – Castle of Trujillo

The Trujillo Castle is the city’s most striking structure. It is on top of a hill overlooking the . It’s hard to say how old it is, as it’s essentially a 13th century castle on top of an 8th century Arab fortress. It was already one of Trujillo’s main attractions before rising to fame in 2017. A list of spectacular Game of Thrones filming locations for tourists points to Trujillo Castle as the fictional Casterly Rock in the seventh season of the hit HBO series.

San Martín de Tours Church

On one side of Plaza Mayor is the Church of San Martin de Tour, one of the most important buildings in Trujillo, with a solemn and austere appearance, built in the 14th century.

For a while it was the meeting place of the Trujillo Council and thus had a welcome character and greater civic interest. Inside, the Virgen de la Coronada stands out, and if you look at the floor, you’ll see that it’s full of tombstones, because there was no cemetery in Trujillo until the 16th century.

Santa María la Mayor Church

The full name of the attraction is Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor, and like the town itself, it represents a combination of history and architecture. Said to be a Visigothic temple (meaning pagan), it was converted into a mosque and later a Christian church during Muslim rule in the area.

The church’s architecture and craftsmanship showcase all these influences, making it a particularly interesting ancient building worth exploring – especially if you’re interested in history or architecture.

Puerta del Arco de la Sangre

At the end of Ballesteros Street, you will find Puerta Arco de la Sangre, which many of you will know from the famous Game of Thrones series. This is one of the 5 gates to the medieval city and is of Muslim origin.

Santiago Church

The 12th-century building was enlarged in the 17th century and was once a defensive tower. Among these sculptures, Cristo de las Aguas stands out, with Gothic elements from the 14th century. The church is currently hosting an exhibition by Jaime de Jaraíz.

La Alberca

Another of the places to see in Trujillo that most caught our attention was La Alberca, an 11-meter-deep water tank built in the 12th century.

Mirador de las Monjas

On the wat to the Castle of Trujillo you can stop at the Mirador de las Monjas. From there you can admire the best views of Trujillo and its beautiful Plaza Mayor.

Casa Fuerte de los Chaves el Viejo

This 15th-century building was the residence of the Catholic Monarchs. It was here that Isabel and Fernando’s marriage contract was signed.

El Aljibe – Hispano-Muslim cistern

Beneath the Plaza de los Altamirano is this 10th-century hydraulic work. It consist of three naves on six arches and barrel vaults. Locals used it to store rainwater that falls through three curbs that protrude from the street sidewalk. It’s closed and accessible only by guided tour but such a spot is worth seeing.

La Coria – Convento de San Francisco el Real

It has the Convent of La Coria as iys nickname due to its proximity to the gate of the same name, it was built between the end of the 15th and the beginning of the 16th centuries as a residence for Franciscan nuns. The monastery was abandoned during the Revolutionary War and remains in ruins. It currently houses the Xavier de Salas Foundation, with the Museo de la Coria.

Torre del Alfiler Interpretation Center

This is a defensive tower from the Muslim era that formed part of the castle walls. It takes its name from a metal rod in the dome, which also houses the beautiful Talavera tiles that were added when the towers were rendered defensible. Inside there is a room through where to learn about different stages of Trujillo’s history. 

Discoverers Visitor Reception Center

This center is located in what was the Church of the Precious Blood of Christ, a Baroque-style temple built in the 17th century. Here the importance of Trujillo in the discovery and evangelization of the New World is revealed, in addition to exposing curiosities of the trips and explaining the different characters related to the discovery.

Where to stay in Trujillo

The best place to stay in Trujillo is the old town. As it is close to everything it has a lot to offer. Here are some recommended hotels in Trujillo:

• Eurostars Palacio de Santa Marta: It is in a 16th-century building in the historic center of Trujillo, next to the Plaza Mayor and the Alcazar. The property has a swimming pool that can be used throughout the summer
• Parador de Trujillo: It is in a former convent in Santa Clara, The hotel offers peace and tranquility in the historic town of Trujillo. The hotel has a swimming pool with sun loungers.
• Izan Trujillo: Located in the ancient San Antonio Convent of the 16th century. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and a vaulted breakfast room.
• Alojamientos Trujillo Plaza: It is worth to take one room with square views. The location is in Plaza Mayor, the rooms are clean, the stuff is friendly. The prices are good value for your money.

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