What to see and do in Alcántara, a historic town in Cáceres

The cultural festivals that are organized in numerous places in Spain during the summer are an activity for the enjoyment of those who are spending a few days of vacation there.

But they can also become an invitation to a getaway to, on the occasion of a cultural event, take the opportunity to get to know a corner of our geography.

That was my case a couple of summers ago, when, on the occasion of their classical theater festival, I had the opportunity to discover Alcantara.

It is a town in the west of Estremadura with a long history, which you have surely heard about because of its famous Roman bridge.

Alcántara Classical Theater Festival in August

El Alcántara Classical Theater Festival it is celebrated every year at the beginning of August, and during it performances of classic works such as Hamlet o Don Juan Tenorio.

In my case the pretext to approach Alcantara It was the opportunity to see the great Rafael Alvarez The Witcher, in the very entertaining interpretation of his own work Mysteries of Don Quixote, more interesting if possible as it coincided at that time with a trip through La Mancha.

This festival has earned its prestige over the years, especially when in the nearby Mérida In the months of July and August the important International Classical Theater Festival.

As a complement to the festival, other cultural activities are also carried out, such as pasacalles o theatrical night visits.

In a first approximation, visit alcantara presents the same problem as much of the Extremadura Community, with a somewhat isolated situation due to its geographical location and the lack of a high-speed train.

Located in the Cáceres province, next to the border with Portugal, if, as is my case, you like driving and car getaways, the truth is that, for example, from Madrid you can reach Alcántara in just over three hours.

But after my recent getaway I can tell you that it is really worth it.

History of Alcántara, medieval town in Cáceres

With its origins in the megalithic era, of which the presence of a menhir and several dolmens in the surroundings of the town remains as testimony, Alcantara The Romans arrived in the 2nd century BC

Later, it was the Arabs who built a first fortification, specifically, a small citadel.

Then after the reconquista by the Christians in 1213, the King Alfonso IX gave in to the Order of Calatrava the defense of the town, but shortly after that, what was important at that time was founded and established Military Order of Alcántara.

From then on, and during the following centuries, it was a time of great prosperity in which the nobles belonging to that order of knights were building numerous palatial buildings, of which you have testimony in the historic center of Alcántara.

Roman bridge of Alcántara: history and characteristics

It is certainly his now famous Roman bridge the great monument that will focus your attention during your visit to this town in Extremadura.

It is an impressive work of engineering that was built in a deep cut in the tagus river during the time of emperor Trajan to facilitate the transportation of metals such as lead and gold.

Completed in the year 85 AD, when you arrive at the bridge you will be surprised by its majesty, consisting of five robust pillars and six semicircular arches.

In the center of it stands a arc of an honorary nature, 14 meters high, which was completed later, in the year 106 AD

The architectural complex is completed with what was a small roman temple.

Something that may surprise you is how the roman bridge has remained standing to the present day.

In this regard, you should know that there is evidence that the bridge remained intact until the 13th century, when during the Reconquest the first arch was destroyed.

It was not rebuilt until the 16th century, and then during the War of succession of the 18th century between Spain and Portugal, one of the arches was seriously damaged.

In the Independence War With the Napoleonic troops the second arch was destroyed, and it was not until the time of Isabel II when it was definitively restored.

What to see and do in Alcántara in one day

Addition Roman bridge, you getaway to Alcántara It has other attractions, such as walking through the narrow streets of its historic center.

The town is located on a hill from which you can see the Roman bridge, Of the walls of Alcántara Only a few sections remain standing.

Arch of the Conception in Alcántara

But to access its historic center you must cross under what is now known as Arch of Conception, which historically was the main access to Alcántara.

Alcantara It is a town with a marked historical atmosphere that, compared to other places that are already very touristy, preserves the virtue of authenticity.

It is one of those towns where on your walk you will hardly come across anyone, and if you do, in the face of their possible surprised look, you will feel the obligation to say hello.

From the heritage point of view, you will see that the majority of its palatial houses They are in a state of semi-abandonment, although both on the street signs and in these houses you will find instructive information panels.

Convent of San Benito in Alcántara

El Convent of San Benito It is the main monument of historic center of Alcántara, and the place where the aforementioned classical theater festival is celebrated outdoors.

Building built at the beginning of the 16th century, it was the headquarters of the aforementioned Military Order of Alcántara.

The architectural complex mixes three different styles, starting from a Gothic cloister with a square plan.

La Conventual church It is in the Plateresque style and was never finished, which you can see when you see the large interior dimensions of the beginning of the three naves, with the striking crosses of the vaults.

On the outside, the one known as Gallery of Charles V Renaissance style, at whose feet in summer the stage of the theater festival is located, and which consists of three superimposed galleries.

Now you will find a building that was confiscated and almost abandoned, leaving only the architectural structure of the church.

El Convent of San Benito you can meet him during the free guided tours which you can sign up for Alcántara Tourist Office, which you find not far from the Portugal square.

During your walk through the historic center you will also see the parish church of Santa María de Almocóvar, built on the space occupied by the Arab mosque and with a beautiful Romanesque doorway.

Church of San Pedro de Alcántara

In front of it is the church of San Pedro de Alcántara, baroque style.

And as you reach the wall area where there is an old access gate to the town, you will see the complex that makes up the Convent of the Commander Nuns and Church of the Ancient Incarnation, from the 15th century.

There it is worth looking into the gazebo since you have one panoramic views over the roman bridge.

Jewish Quarter in Alcántara

You should not miss walking through the narrow alleys of what was the Jewish quarter, with charming corners such as a passage with a semicircular arch.

You can also see the building of the old synagogue of Alcántara from the 14th century, now converted into a cultural center.

Conventual Hospedería de Alcántara

Facing your accommodation in Alcantara, I recommend the inn located outside the urban center, in the old building of the Convent of San Bartolome, seat of the Franciscans from the end of the 1835th century until the confiscation of XNUMX.

La Conventual Hospedería de Alcántara It is now an establishment network of tourism inns for the Extremadura joint, in which modern and comfortable facilities are combined with its historical atmosphere.

And if you like sweets with Arabic style, you must try the mormenteras, homemade preparation with almonds and honey that you find in the establishment Pepi, next to the access arch to the historic center.

Cruise along the Tagus River in Alcántara

During your stay in Alcántara you can also sign up for a cruise by the great reservoir tagus river, in what is known as Alcantara ship.

Lasting just over an hour and a half, during the very pleasant tour you will learn various curiosities about this geographical enclave and its fauna.

I will tell you that it is a special protection area for birds of the Tagus International Natural Park where you can see vultures, eagles or storks.

Also, also near Alcantara, you can bathe in the quarry, an artificial lake of spring water created by the extraction of the material to build the Alcantara Dam.

It is now a popular bathing area where several species of birds of prey nest on the walls of the old quarry.

Map: how to get to Alcántara

Alcantara is west of the province of Cáceres in Extremadura, and from said city it will take one hour. If you travel from Madrid, it will take three and a half hours, and a little less from Seville.