An area of coexistence and harmony between different cultures

You are in the old intramural part of the town, which until modern times was the urban centre of Valencia de Alcántara.

The Gothic Quarter was declared a BIC (Asset of Cultural Interest), within the category of Artistic Historic Site, in 1997. It is made up of 19 winding and narrow streets, which are very well preserved and representative of medieval times, adapted to a population with an important defensive character. This neighbourhood hides its own history of splendour, wars, escapes and the coexistence of different cultures and traditions.

Let yourself be guided by the layout of this neighbourhood and discover all of the wonderful secrets that Sephardic culture hides within its doors and windows. Maybe you will even smell the delicious aroma of the traditional stews that some of the neighbours continue to cook!

Explore it thoroughly and feel how its history surrounds you!

This neighbourhood underwent a significant expansion between the 15th and 16th centuries as a result of demographic growth and the coexistence of the three cultures that inhabited Spain at the time: Jews, Christians and Muslims.

It is one of the largest neighbourhoods in the province of Cáceres. In accordance with the Ordinances of the Council of Valencia de Alcántara of 1498, an urban nucleus with 280 uniform ogive portals was registered, of which around 266 still remain, along with shields, guild halls and emblems.

Its streets are long and narrow and have a typical medieval layout, which is very similar to those of Alburquerque and Castelo de Vide, in Portugal, due to the close relationship between these towns. The houses in this neighbourhood are mostly of the standard type, formed by very narrow but deep plots that usually have an empty space in the back, with two built floors. It is worth noting the use of stonework both outside and inside the houses. The doors and windows are lintelled or pointed, or have a sharp arch, highlighting the corbels with which they are usually guarded. These characteristics, together with the white colour of the façades, make this set of streets a unique neighbourhood with its own unique beauty.

The stonework marks on the portals and windows can relate to religious conversions, magical rites, stonemason’s marks or pure decorations of a social nature.

Did you know that…

  • This neighbourhood is home to a restored 15th century Synagogue, located at the intersection of Calle Gasca Street with Calle Pocitos Street, inside which you will find the Sephardic Culture Identity Centre.
  • The corbels (window projections) were used as decoration, for drying food or clothing and for decorating the streets at festive times.