Babacashee
Arriving in Plasencia on a hot day
Plasencia sits on the River Jerte in northern Extremadura. The mountains start to give way to plains here, and the whole surrounding area looks spectacular. Our day did not start well. It was very hot and the drive had been long. Ben was exhausted, I was hangry, and Aba was cranky because he couldn't get into water. Even so, the city won us over. We found it beautiful, its history fascinating and the whole vibe very cool.
The city was founded in 1186. Because of its location it grew up behind strong defensive walls. By the 15th century, wealthy noble families were building large palaces here. That is a big part of why the historic centre still looks so impressive today.
Iglesia de San Vicente Ferrer and Palacio del Marqués de Mirabel
We started our walk at the Iglesia de San Vicente Ferrer, known locally as Santo Domingo. The Gothic church and its convent date from the late 15th century. From there we went to the Palacio del Marqués de Mirabel, the most important historic palace in the city. People say it is very nice inside. We cannot confirm that, because we honestly could not find the entrance.
The two cathedrals of Plasencia
The cathedral is probably Plasencia's biggest architectural surprise, because it is really two cathedrals joined together. The old one was begun in the 13th century. Work on the much grander new one started in 1498, and part of the old building was knocked down to make room for it. The inside of the Catedral Nueva is spectacular. Filming was not allowed inside, so we have no footage of it.
Plaza Mayor and the medieval walls
Next we walked to Plaza Mayor, the social heart of Plasencia, and then on towards the old city walls. The medieval walls once ran for about 2.2 km and had more than 70 defensive towers. Around 20 towers still stand today. The streets along the way were very clean and we saw no broken glass, which made the walk easy on Aba's paws.
Acueducto de San Antón and Parque de los Pinos
Then we reached the Acueducto de San Antón, which once brought water into Plasencia from the hills around the city. Parque de los Pinos is right beside it. It is a beautiful green park with peacocks and other birds. Dogs are not allowed in Parque de los Pinos at all, which is a shame.
Parque de la Isla and the dog park by the river
Parque de la Isla, along the river, makes up for it. This huge green area has access to the river and a canal and plenty of natural shade. Aba had lots of room to sniff and roam freely. Plasencia also has a gated dog park with a private water canal for dogs and a big shaded green area. It is pretty much the coolest one we have seen on our travels.
This is where Aba finally got into the water and cooled off. Afterwards we found a nice restaurant by the river, and everyone was happy again. Plasencia has great historic buildings and dramatic scenery, and the river makes a brilliant finish for a dog. We only saw a small part of the city, and we should have planned more time.
Good to know
- On a hot day, end the walk at the river. Parque de la Isla has river and canal access and natural shade.
- Allow more time than we did. We only saw a small part of the city.
- Birders: you don't need big lenses in the city, but bring them if you explore the surrounding area.
Plasencia with a dog: questions
Are dogs allowed in Parque de los Pinos in Plasencia?
No. Dogs are not allowed at all in Parque de los Pinos in Plasencia, which we found a shame. We took Aba to Parque de la Isla by the river instead.
Is there a dog park in Plasencia?
Yes. Plasencia has a gated dog park with a private water canal for dogs and a big shaded green area. It is pretty much the coolest dog park we have seen on our travels.
Where can my dog cool off in the water in Plasencia?
Parque de la Isla in Plasencia has access to the river and a canal, and the town's dog park has its own water canal. That is where Aba finally got to splash and beat the heat.
Is there shade for dogs in Plasencia?
Yes, down by the river. Parque de la Isla in Plasencia has plenty of natural shade, and the dog park has a big shaded green area.