Ilumina Raia - Castle of Valencia of Alcántara

Are you planning a trip to the Spanish region of Extremadura? Take the opportunity to stop in Valencia de Alcántara, a border city located between Alto Alentejo and the province of Cáceres.

Valencia de Alcántara is a Spanish municipality located in the district of Sierra de San Pedro, in Extremadura, in the west of the province of Cáceres. It is close to the Portuguese border, a stone's throw from Castelo de Vide and Marvão, in Alentejo.

Visit the impressive Megalithic complex (consisting of 41 dolmens), the Roman bridge, the heritage of the historic center and its Gothic-Jewish quarter, which was declared a National Historic-Artistic Site in 1997.

The largest Jewish neighborhood in the province of Cáceres has 19 alleys, with pointed doors and windows. Surrounded by a wall, the neighborhood was built on a hill, where you can visit the fortress of the Castelo de Valência de Alcântara.

The diversity of cultures - Muslim, Jewish, and Christian - left a valuable legacy of ancient knowledge in this municipality of Raia.

In addition, the Sierra de San Pedro and the International Tagus Natural Park make Valencia de Alcántara one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Extremadura.

Valencia de AlcÁntara Castle

Did you know that this castle once belonged to the Portuguese?

Visit the castle fortress of Valencia de Alcântara, which, for several decades of the 20th century, was the headquarters of the Civil Guard.

Explore its wall on foot, which has the best views of the city and contemplate the landscape, which extends to the Alentejo.

Discover the history hidden in these walls, between Portuguese and Spanish troops, and discover the structures that form the castle.

Appreciate its construction and layout. The irregularity of its layout and plan, which was adapted to the new times and to the urban structure, as the city grew.

Inside the castle, visit the First Settlers Identity Center to learn about megalithic and prehistoric culture, such as the European Megalithic Center and the International Tagus Transboundary Biosphere Reserve.

Valencia de Alcántara Castle: A Journey to the Past

Of Muslim origin, the fortress was rebuilt when the Order of Alcantara, under the orders of Alfonso IX, took over the building in 1221. Over the years, it was remodeled, due to the clashes between the Spanish and the Portuguese.

Its current layout - dating from the 16th and 18th centuries - has been restored to adapt the fortress to the time.

Initially, the Tower of Homage was located outside the fortified enclosure. Over the years, it ended up remaining inside this space, as did the cistern, the Rocamador church and a series of bastions.

First Settlers Identity Center

Inside the castle, you will find the First Settlers Identity Center.

This space, with audiovisual and interactive elements, invites you to discover the elements of megalithic culture and prehistory, which stand out in the surrounding environment of the International Tagus.

The center has an exhibition area with a map of the territory, the contemporary interpretation of a dolmen, explanatory panels and replicas of prehistoric objects. Also watch the video in the dolmen chamber.

For a more immersive experience, try using virtual reality glasses to discover different areas of the International Tagus, such as megalithic monuments and manifestations of Prehistory. This information is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Historical Curiosity

The city was the seat of the knights of the Order of Alcántara, where the Treaty of Alcáçovas was signed on September 4, 1479, between the crowns of Castile and Portugal. This peace treaty put an end to the War of the Succession of the Kingdom of Castile and, for the first time, defined the areas of influence of economic and cultural expansion of the two crowns.

Local Gastronomy

The cultural heritage extends to traditional cuisine, where pork and lamb derivatives are highlighted. Such as regional cachuela dishes, buche, morcillas mondongas, chanfaina, fried lamb or typical migas, not to mention the dishes and stews made with game meat.

At the pastry shop, try the wedding rolls and fried foods, the famous Easter cakes and the toasted pies. Take a break and try these gastronomic specialties, with the best products in the region, in the city's restaurants.