Day out to Villa de Arco and Coria with optional trip to Alcántara

This is a rather long trip for one day but can be split into two separate trips as there is a lot  to see.

From the finca we went straight to Caceres and then on to the turn off at Cañaveral, then into the sierra to reach the quaint hamlet of Villa de Arco with its perfect white washed church, mountain spring water running in the steets and an aire of being untouched for centuries. We left early, straight on to the autovia to Caceres and then continued to the exit for CAÑAVERAL 

 

The best way to approach is by walking from the turn off camino on the right just before the village, very charming entrance straight into the heart of the village. 

Here is an earlier post with a lot more photos, especially of the church and views.

https://finca-al-manzil.blogspot.com/2019/10/an-echo-from-past-abandoned-village-in.html 

On to Coria but two stops on the way which are both well worth the time.

1. Palancar at  Pedroso de Acim is a tiny monastery where San Pedro de Alcantara stayed,  it is a turn off the  road to left once on road to Coria.

Detailed information here 

https://finca-al-manzil.blogspot.com/2009/12/short-trip-to-very-small-monastery.html

2. The pottery in Torrejoncillo, Tinajas de Moreno, they make the huge wine alibaba pots and clay bread ovens as well as small ceramic items and tiles

https://finca-al-manzil.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-visit-to-our-favourite-potter.html

Coria a very under estimated historical town on the Alagón river, a strategic point founded by the Romans in the first century with large stretches of Roman walls still existing, further embellished by suceeding cultures, Visigoths, Moors and re-conquista Christians.The whole of the old town is very atmospheric within the ancient walls with 4 original entrance gates. It is now famous for the  running of the bulls during the feast of San Juan in June, bulls are well represented  everywhere.The 16th century cathedral has just been renovated and has an interesting museum. Good places to eat and drink with a restaurant and bar terraça at the archbishop's palace overlooking the river.

Here is an early post about Coria which also includes a side trip to the wonderful Trevejo castle.

https://finca-al-manzil.blogspot.com/2020/03/trip-to-coria-and-castle-of-trevejo-in.html

At this point one can return to Caceres and Finca al-manzil or continue to Alcántara with its eponymous Roman bridge, named by the Moors al-Qanṭarah (القنطرة) meaning "the bridge".  A really interesting town also famous for being the birth place of San Pedro de Alcántara  in 1499.

Main sights

Alcántara Bridge, of six symmetrical arches, 194 m long and 71 m high, built in honour of Trajan in 103-106. An inscription gives the name of the architect of the viaduct, C. Iulius Lacer.

Convent of San Benito de Alcántara (16th century)

Church of Holy Mother of Almocobar (13th century)

Remains of the Moorish walls, modified and restored in the Middle Ages

Convent of St. Francis (15th-17th centuries)

Convent of the Nuns of Los Remedios, of which only the Baroque Chapel remains

Here are more places to visit from Alcántara

https://finca-al-manzil.blogspot.com/2010/01/blog-post_8689.html 

Route Map of this trip