Extremadura is a region on the border with Portugal, in western Spain. It is a mountainous land with harsh, beautiful views and numerous small towns and villages. In the past, it was synonymous with poverty, and the top Spanish conquistadors were recruited from among its inhabitants.
The capital of the region is Merida, a city of 60,000, which is called Spanish Rome. You can see the largest archaeological site in the country, inscribed on the UNESCO list. On its territory there are, among others Roman amphitheater, two aqueducts, theater and remains of the forum.
In Extremadura there is also one of the most important Marian shrines in the world, Guadeloupe. According to legend, the cedar figurine was to be carved by Saint himself. Luke the Evangelist.
Extremadura is primarily a region of small, picturesque towns. The most beautiful of them is Caceres inscribed on the UNESCO list. Beautifully situated Trujillo with stone buildings is referred to as the capital of conquistadors, while in tiny Alcantara you can see the Roman bridge over the Tagus.
The region's richness is its landscapes and nature. The most valuable, mountainous areas with groundbreaking river valleys are protected in the Monfragüe National Park. On its site you can also watch prehistoric dolmens.
