Plaza de Santa Maria and statue of San Pedro de Alcantara near the Cathedral of St. Mary, Caceres, Spain.

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Plaza de Santa María

Top choice in Cáceres


As the closest square to the Plaza Mayor, the Plaza de Santa María and the surrounding tangle of lanes provide most people's introduction to the Ciudad Monumental. This is also arguably the most impressive of the old town's three main squares, with medieval palaces, elaborate Renaissance facades and public buildings at every turn, all overlooked by a dramatic Gothic cathedral.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cáceres attractions

1. Palacio de Mayoralgo

0.01 MILES

Among the impressive facades framing the Plaza de Santa María is the 16th-century Renaissance-style Palacio de Mayoralgo.

2. Concatedral de Santa María

0.01 MILES

This 15th-century Gothic cathedral creates an impressive opening scene for the Ciudad Monumental. Inside, you'll find a magnificent carved 16th-century…

3. Palacio Episcopal

0.02 MILES

The Palacio Episcopal, built between the 13th and 17th centuries, sports a magnificent Renaissance-style facade.

4. Palacio de Ovando

0.02 MILES

This 16th-century Renaissance-style palace stands on the Plaza de Santa María and was reformed in the 18th century.

5. Palacio de la Diputación

0.02 MILES

As you wander further into the Ciudad Monumental to the southeast from the Plaza de Santa María, you'll pass the Renaissance-style Palacio de la…

6. Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo

0.03 MILES

The sumptuous home of Cáceres' prominent Golfín family has been beautifully restored. Built piecemeal between the 14th and 20th centuries, it's crammed…

7. Palacio de Carvajal

0.03 MILES

Just off the northeastern corner of the main Plaza de Santa María stands this late-15th-century mansion. The building was abandoned after fires tore…

8. Arco de la Estrella

0.04 MILES

Guarding the entrance to the Ciudad Monumental from the Plaza Mayor is the 18th-century Arco de la Estrella (made wide for carriage access); pass…

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