Spain/Extremadura: Plasencia
Another stunning walled town in the central Spanish province of Extremadura – Plasencia. The town was established by Alfonso VII in the 12the century, changed hands a few times in the wars with the Moors to the south and then finally prospered during the Middle Ages as the main town along the trade route known as the Silver Route. The fortification ring consists of 2 lines of walls, 6 gates, and 68 towers! Inside is an architectural treasure trove of Plaza Major with Townhall and Casa Consistorial, sprawling Palacio de los Marqueses de Mirabel, and a dozen churches. But the most impressive by far is a double cathedral of Las Catedrales (which deserves a separate, next post).
