Trujillo and Miajadas area
Trujillo is one of Extremadura's best-preserved historic towns, with a medieval square and castle. Miajadas and the surrounding plains are farming country, good for birdwatching and slow drives.
Trujillo and Miajadas are two very different places in the same part of Cáceres province: a historic town of stone and conquistadors, and a farming area of plains, reservoirs, and wetlands. Both are close to the Monfragüe National Park.
Trujillo
Trujillo is one of the best-preserved historic towns in Extremadura. Its old town, castle, and churches have earned it the status of a historic-artistic site, and it works well as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is the heart of Trujillo. It is a large, uneven square lined with arcades and historic buildings, including the church of San Martín and the Palace of the Conquest (Palacio de la Conquista), decorated with the coat of arms of the Pizarro family.
In the center stands the equestrian statue of Francisco Pizarro, the conquistador born in Trujillo who led the conquest of the Inca Empire. Many other conquistadors also came from this town, and their palaces still line its streets.
Plaza Mayor of Trujillo
Plaza Mayor de Trujillo. Foto Javier Calderon (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Castle and old town
Above the square, the Castle of Trujillo (Castillo de Trujillo) was built on Arab foundations and later expanded by the Christians. From its walls you get wide views of the town and the plains below.
A short walk away is the church of Santa María la Mayor, a Romanesque-Gothic building with a richly decorated interior. Walking through the old town, you’ll find narrow streets, stone houses, and quiet squares at every turn.
Festivals and food
- Chiviri: on Easter Sunday, people dress in traditional costumes with red shawls and dance in the Plaza Mayor.
- International Cheese Fair: held in Trujillo in spring, it showcases regional cheeses such as Torta del Casar and Queso de la Serena.
Miajadas and the plains
Miajadas is a working agricultural town, best known for its tomato production. The surrounding landscape is made up of plains, dehesas, and reservoirs.
This flat, open country is good for birdwatching. Look for cranes in winter, and for bustards, sandgrouse, and birds of prey on the plains. The wetlands and reservoirs near the town attract waterfowl and wading birds.
How to get there
Trujillo and Miajadas sit on the A-5 highway between Madrid and Mérida, about 45 minutes apart. There are bus connections to Trujillo, and the nearest airports are Madrid and Badajoz.
Where to stay…
Hotels and rural houses in Trujillo