Torre de Bujaco

The Torre de Bujaco is the best known monument of Cáceres. It is located on the Plaza Mayor and stands 25 metres tall. The tower is of Arab origin but was also used by the Brothers of Cáceres who defended the tower against the attacks of the Spanish Arab caliph Abu Ya’qub in 1173. He ordered the renovation of the tower after his victory, but he lost it again to the Christian reconquest. Much later, in the 16th century two balconies were added and in the 18th century two outlook posts, one on the front and the other on the other side. The name probably originates from the word buhaco, the statue of the Genio Andrógino that was placed on the balcony between 1820 and 1962.
It also had a clock between 1672 and 1791 and was therefore also known as the Torre del Reloj. It is open for tourists who can take a good look of the city from the roof of the building.

The Church of Santa María

The Church of Santa María was originally a mosque, but was turned into a church after the reconquest. Construction lasted from the 13th to the 16th century. It has been built with granite stones in the Romantic style, but with Gothic influences. The bell tower was built between 1554 and 1559, in Renaissance style. Following the city’s necessity to be able to defend itself, the church is a square building with little exterior decoration. Inside we find the central altar, made in 1551. The church also houses a museum that shows sacramental works. Centrepiece is an organ that dates back to 1703 and which is still in use today.

The Palacio de las Veletas

We find this building in the best part of the old almohade alcázar. It is one of the few buildings that don’t contain defensive elements. It was built in 1477 by Diego Gómez de Torres. Lorenzo de Ulloa completely refurbished the building in 1600.  On the façade there are two big coats of arms of the families of both architects. On the roof there is a large railing with gargoyles and the weathervanes (veletas) that give the building its name.
Inside is the museum of Cáceres, which contains important archaeological and ethnographical works, as well as many pieces of artwork. But the basement of the palace is where we find the most spectacular sight. The basement measures 10 by 15 metres and has partially been dug out of the natural stone. There are 16 arches that are supported by 12 columns, some of which are of Roman origin.

What are you looking for in Almería?

• Monumentos de Zaragoza
• Restaurantes de Zaragoza
• Hoteles de Zaragoza
• Casas Rurales de Zaragoza