Destinations
Zarza la Mayor
This Cáceres town was named "la Mayor" by King Philip IV.
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- Zarza la Mayor
"The Very Loyal Town of Zarza la Mayor"
Location and Contact:
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This Cáceres town was named "la Mayor" by King Philip IV.
It dates back to the Roman times and gravestones still remain from this period of its history. The town has had to overcome many hardships and disasters, as Zarza has been burned to the ground four times by its Portuguese neighbours. So it is hardly surprising that King Philip IV changed its name to “Zarza la Mayor” (Zarza the Great), in tribute to the heroism of its people.
An area of such historic significance as this obviously has a wealth of cultural and architectural treasures, the most outstanding of which is the castle known as Racha Rachel, or Peñafiel. This castle of legends stands in the border regions and has become Zarza la Mayor's most symbolic landmark.
Other notable sites worth visiting include the impressive La Fuente Conceja spring, which has been declared a monument of cultural interest, La Real Fábrica de Seda (Royal Silk Factory) and La Casa de la Encomienda or Palacio del Comendador.
The area holds endless attractions for nature lovers, who can enjoy hiking trails, walks along age-old livestock trails and cowpaths as well as fishing and hunting. -
Type:
- Locality
Theme:
- Destinations
Target audience:
- Families
- Young people
- Single people
- Senior citizens
- Children
- Couples
- Single people
Gallery:
More suggestions
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Roman bridge at Alcántara
A massive Roman construction that will amaze visitors.
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Peñafiel Castle
The legendary castle known as Peñafiel, belonging to the town of Zarza la Mayor is located in a privileged natural environment and stands guard over the border with Portugal.
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Fuente Conceja
This fountain in Zarza la Mayor preserves vestiges of the past that marked this region on the border with Portugal.
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Church of Santa María de Almocóvar
This church belonging to the Order of Alcántara stands in one of the highest parts of the old town.
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Walled enclosure of Alcántara
The constant attacks this village in Cáceres province was subject to due to its strategic importance led to the construction of a defensive wall.
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Alcántara Bullring
Capacity for 3,500 people
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Zarza la Mayor Bullring
Famous bullfighters have passed through the arena of the Zarza la Mayor bullring.
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Convent of San Benito
This 16th century convent can be found in the town of Alcántara in Cáceres.
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Alcántara Reservoir SPA
This SPA is an unparalleled natural space thanks to its rich fauna.
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Aula de Naturaleza "Canchos de Ramiro"
El Aula se inauguró en el mes de abril de 2008, con objeto de convertirse en un referente medioambiental de la comarca, para promover y conservar los recursos naturales del Valle de Alagón.