Spain · UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Series, 14th issue, Old Town of Cáceres

The history of Cáceres dates back to Roman antiquity. The colony of Norba Caesarina was established near the present-day city centre. Parts of the later fortifications incorporated Roman foundations. During Islamic rule, Cáceres became a fortified place on the contested frontier between Muslim and Christian territories. Substantial sections of the city wall and several defensive towers date from this period.

In 1229, King Alfonso IX of León captured the city. Noble families from León, Castile and other parts of the Iberian Peninsula subsequently settled there. Fortified residences, palaces, churches and squares were built within the walls. The numerous coats of arms on the façades recall the families that shaped the city’s political and social life. In the late 15th century, Queen Isabella I had the projecting towers of many noble houses dismantled or lowered in order to curb private feuds and assert royal authority.

In the 16th century, Spain’s links with America also affected Cáceres. Members of regional families took part in the conquest, administration and trade of the Spanish colonies. Returnees and their wealth influenced construction activity and the furnishing of individual houses.

The Plaza Mayor developed outside the medieval walls into a market and meeting place. At its edge stands the Arco de la Estrella, one of the most important entrances to the walled old town. Next to it is the Torre de Bujaco, a defensive tower from the Islamic period. The present appearance of the square thus makes several phases of the city’s development visible immediately next to one another.

UNESCO added the old town to the World Heritage List in 1986. The issue belongs to the Spanish series of 2-euro commemorative coins, which has presented a Spanish World Heritage site each year since 2010. The choice of Cáceres thus follows the concept of this ongoing coin series.