Alcántara: Puente de Alcántara and Tajo Internacional

The Puente de Alcántara dates back to the 2nd century AD and has six semicircular arches. In its centre stands an arch erected in honour of Emperor Trajan.

Culture and history

The Arco de la Concepción is the only surviving gate of the second fortification and leads into the historic old town of Alcántara. The Jewish Quarter lies around the La Soledad Synagogue, which was built in the 14th century. The three-storey Galería de Carlos V is located on the eastern façade of the Conventual de San Benito. The Iglesia de Santa María de Almocóvar houses five paintings by Luis de Morales.

The Menhir del Cabezo was re-erected in 2015 and features engravings. At the beginning of the 16th century, the royal privilege was granted for the construction of the new building, which was intended to serve as the headquarters and seat of the Order of Alcántara. For cultural highlights, the town gate, synagogue, church, gallery, bridge and menhir can be compared as different themes.

Nature and landscape

Since 2000, Tajo Internacional has been designated a Special Protection Area for birds (ZEPA). Tajo Internacional provides a habitat for a significant community of birds of prey, including Egyptian vultures, Spanish imperial eagles and cinereous vultures. The rocky shores of La Cantera lake serve as nesting sites for black storks, vultures and Egyptian vultures.

The Centro de Interpretación Tajo Internacional presents the flora and fauna of the nature park using information panels, projections and new technologies. The Mirador de la Presa is located next to the dam above the Tajo and also offers a view of the Puente de Alcántara. La Cantera is an artificial lake fed by spring water that is suitable for swimming.

Routes and events

The Ruta Puente Romano de Alcántara is a circular route that starts and ends at the Puente Romana de Alcántara. At the Fiesta de la Mormentera in June, tastings and workshops are held for the Arabic-influenced sweet with Jewish influences. The Festival de Teatro Clásico de Alcántara takes place in the first week of August.

For your own planning, cultural monuments, nature themes, swimming, the circular route and the two event dates can be compared as different focal points.

For a holiday apartment in Alcántara, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the respective offer pages. You can combine this information with your own priorities: historic buildings, nature, swimming, a circular route or an event in June or in the first week of August.

Discover more places

Other places to discover include La Cumbre, Pinofranqueado, La Aceña De La Borrega, Zarza de Montánchez, Monroy, Jarandilla De La Vera, La Aldea Del Obispo and Valverde Del Fresno.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cáceres.