Alcuéscar in Extremadura – Visigothic basilica and pilgrimage routes

The Basílica Santa Lucía del Trampal has an original floor plan in the shape of the Greek letter tau. It is the only surviving Visigothic temple in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. The Basílica Santa Lucía del Trampal has been recognised as an Asset of Cultural Interest.

Culture and history

The Centro de Interpretación de Santa Lucía del Trampal displays Roman remains and pagan artefacts discovered in the surrounding area. The Centro de Interpretación de Santa Lucía del Trampal is accessible to people with reduced mobility. The Iglesia Parroquial de la Asunción dates from the final decades of the 15th century or the beginning of the 16th century and has its origins in the Late Gothic period.

The Ermita del Calvario y de Nuestra Señora de Fátima was built in the mid-20th century as a round structure made of brick and granite masonry. The former Casa de la Encomienda was the only property of the Order of Santiago in the province of Cáceres.

Landscape

From the Mirador del Calvario, you can see the silhouette of Montánchez with its castle and the plain of the province of Cáceres stretching to the horizon. The Ermita del Calvario y de Nuestra Señora de Fátima offers one of the best views along the Vía de la Plata pilgrimage route.

The Mérida–Alcuéscar stage of the Vía de la Plata passes through the Cornalvo nature reserve before reaching Alcuéscar. The R3 Accessible route from Alcuéscar to the Basílica Santa Lucía del Trampal leaves the built-up area and runs through a rural setting with livestock farms and olive groves. The route to Santa Lucía del Trampal follows Calle Fuente del Castaño to the Camino de Santa Lucía del Trampal. It passes through a landscape of cork oaks, holm oaks and olive trees.

Paths and routes

The R3 Accessible route from Alcuéscar to the Basílica Santa Lucía del Trampal is a 12-kilometre walking route of moderate difficulty and starts in Parque Municipal de Alcuéscar. The Camino Visigodo leads from the Vía de la Plata to Guadalupe and passes through Alcuéscar. The Camino Visigodo to Guadalupe is a 134-kilometre equestrian route of moderate difficulty. It starts at the Basílica Santa Lucía del Trampal in Alcuéscar and is divided into six stages for completing on foot. Stage 12 Alcuéscar–Valdesalor leaves Alcuéscar via the Camino Viejo.

The different route lengths and means of transport help to clearly distinguish the options when planning your own trip.

When you choose a holiday apartment in Alcuéscar, you can compare travel dates, accommodation category and cancellation policies on the offer page.

More destinations

Find more destinations at the same destination level at Cabañas Del Castillo, Jaraíz De La Vera, La Garganta, Pescueza, Eljas, Membrío, Plasencia and Cambrón.

Festivals and regional cuisine

The Feria de la tenca y el vino is a gastronomic festival promoting the cuisine and traditional crafts of Alcuéscar. It includes stalls run by local wineries and tastings of tench bred in the wetlands of Alcuéscar, such as Charca del Cura and Pantano. The Romería de la Jira takes place on Easter Monday and leads to the municipal Finca Casa de los Tomates.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cáceres.