In the province of Cáceres and in the region of Las Villuercas is Guadalupe, a historic municipality where you can enjoy traditional architecture, culture and one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Spain.
It is an ideal place to spend a few days, allowing you to get to know some of the history of Spain through a series of interesting sites. For that reason, the significance of Gaudalupe now lies in tourism.
What to see in Guadalupe? Due to its history, his town, which has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site, is most famous for its religious sites.
Delving into its history, we discover the reason for this religious heritage. According to the legend, a statue of the Virgin appeared to a shepherd by the river. Considering this to be a miracle, he began to build a chapel on the spot where she had appeared. This is how the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe arrived in Spain.
The rest of the town developed around the chapel, creating a community dedicated to her and her works.
Undoubtedly, the most important monument - and the main attraction for visitors - is the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe. This World Heritage Site was built in the 14th century in gratitude to the Virgin Mary for victory in the battle of Salado.
Throughout history it has been of great importance, a privileged observer of the moment when the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, gave Columbus two ships to begin his voyage to America, among many other events.
The beauty of the monastery's façade hints at the beautiful Gothic and Mudejar rooms that await inside.You can visit these rooms free of charge if you visit on your own, although there is a cost if you book a guided tour.
Getting to the monastery is very easy, as it is perfectly signposted throughout the town centre. You can also visit other attractions such as the Plaza de Santa María square, or the Parador, which was once the old hospital of San Juan Bautista.
You'll need at least a day to see Guadeloupe, but we recommend that you stay for a few days to enjoy its unique essence. The best thing to do is to look for comfortable accommodation, and among the options available, you'll find charming rural hotels and holiday cottages. If you're travelling in summer, take a look at some of the holiday homes with swimming pools in the area.
The best time to visit this beautiful town is during its festivities. La Puebla, as this area is also known, celebrates the festivities of the Virgen de Guadalupe on 8 September, a perfect time to enjoy the local gastronomy as well as traditional songs and dances.
Welcome to Guadalupe!
