Walled enclosure of Alcántara

The strategic situation of the village of Alcántara in the province of Cáceres - as the route across the river Tagus - made this defensive construction necessary. In it two fortifications can be distinguished: the Arab Alcazaba, and the walled enclosure from modern times. The former enveloped the old hamlet and the fortress, and was made of slate. Some towers and sections of its walls still stand. After the Reconquest in the 15th century, the walled enclosure was extended and gave rise to the second fortification, which served as a parapet against the constant armed confrontations with Portugal. The material used is also slate, but slate ashlar work is included too, reinforced with granite ashlar work at the corners.