Babacashee
Before you go: crowds and the park
Cáceres can be a really nice city trip with a dog, but we would definitely come early. Once the crowds arrive, the narrow streets get busy quickly, and that can be a lot for a dog. There are smaller green spots around the centre. For a proper break from sightseeing, the Parque del Príncipe gives you much more space. It has an artificial water channel that is officially decorative. Aba decided it was a splash park built just for him.
San Juan Bautista to Plaza Mayor
Our walk starts at the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, a church with roots in the 13th century. From there we head to Plaza Mayor, the big open square in front of the old city walls. The Arco de la Estrella is normally the classic way into the old town. When we visited it had construction works, so we found another way in.
Concatedral de Santa María and the staircase
Inside the walls we reached the Concatedral de Santa María, the most important Christian church in Cáceres. Much of what you see today comes from a big rebuild in the 15th and 16th centuries. You can climb its tower for views over the old town. Other people can, anyway. One of us saw the narrow spiral staircase and said no. A picture instead was absolutely sufficient.
San Francisco Javier, Semana Santa and the cistern
Next is Plaza de San Jorge, where the big white facade and twin towers of San Francisco Javier suddenly appear. It is a real wow moment. The church was built in the 18th century by the Jesuits, so it stands out against the older stone around it. Nearby is a centre where you can learn about the Semana Santa processions and the brotherhoods behind them. Underneath is a spooky old underground cistern, which we thought was very cool.
Ermita de San Antonio and back to San Juan
We carry on through the old Jewish quarter to the small Ermita de San Antonio. This little chapel was built in the late 15th century on the site of a former synagogue. There is a lovely view from the terrace behind it. From there we wander through more narrow stone streets and loop back to San Juan, where the walk began.
Good to know
- Come early and enjoy the old town while it is still quiet. Avoid peak visiting times with your dog.
- Give your dog time to sniff and explore, and keep the Parque del Príncipe in mind for a break.
Cáceres with a dog: questions
Is Cáceres old town too crowded for a dog?
The old town in Cáceres gets very crowded and touristy, and the narrow streets fill up quickly, which can be a lot for a dog. We would come early and avoid peak visiting times.
Where can my dog get shade and water in Cáceres?
The big park near the centre of Cáceres has lots of natural shade and water access. According to Aba, its artificial water channel is a splash park built just for him.
Are the streets in Cáceres old town easy on paws?
We found the streets in Cáceres old town paw-friendly. They were very clean, with no glass shards.