clairedavieswriter

So children, do you want to find out about Plasencia? Let’s go through the arched window…

It’s a town about the size of Fleet, but there the similarity ends. For starters, it has some impressive medieval walls, built to defend against the moors in the 12th century:

And some equally impressive gates. The Puerta de Trujillo…

Conceals a surprising feature on the other side: an open air chapel with gilt decoration that the human eye can see from a hundred paces – though sadly the camera can’t

There are two cathedrals…

A 16th century aqueduct

An old convent that has been beautifully converted into a Parador hotel, complete with old cells made into bedrooms:

And generally more lovely old buildings than you can reasonably expect in such a small space.

Speaking of small spaces, I was interested to read about the 13th century Charter of Plasencia, which enabled Christians, Jews and Muslims to live peacefully together within the city walls. It would seem we’re still learning the lessons of history.

And speaking of history, we also learned that Abuelo Mayorga (Grandfather Mayorga) has been chiming the bell at the top of this tower in the Plaza Mayor for so long (at least since 1573) that no one can say for sure why he got there, but the locals seem very attached to him.

As you’d expect, the square is lined with places to drink, eat and watch the world go by. We’re doing our best to do all three in as many of them as we can during the course of our stay. All in the interest of supporting local businesses, you understand

But you’ll be glad to know we’ve not neglected our staple diet:

As always, there were sights to amuse us, like this tiny establishment tucked under the old walls. Just one lamb? we wondered. Or could he rustle up 199 more? Readers of my Overheard in Burgos blog will relate.

We enjoyed this juxtaposition of ancient and modern:

This street sounded tempting, if you could get rind the one way system:

And we decided this was the kind of revolution we could all get behind:

Finally, one for Spanish speaking readers, because this advert for a brand of goat’s cheese defies translation, but it made us laugh (the joke is in the fact that un cabrón extremeño could mean either ‘a big male Extremaduran goat’ or ‘a bastard from Extremadura’):

Plasencia isn’t one of Spain’s big ticket tourist sights, but we were glad we stopped by, and this cheerfully named guest house seemed pleased to see us (‘How Nice of you to Come’)

Plasencia is also significant for us because it marks the halfway point of our Spanish end to end – 580km in eight days. Ahead lie Cáceres, Mérida, Sevilla and Jerez, among other exciting prospects. Stay with us for the ride!