What a surprise this is out in the Extremadura backblocks! Built in the 16th century to house the Orden de Alcántara, an order of Reconquista knights – part monks, part soldiers – who ruled much of western Extremadura as a kind of private fiefdom, this grand Renaissance convent was abandoned in the 19th century. The highlights of the restored monastery include the Gothic cloister and the perfectly proportioned three-tier loggia. Admission is by free guided visit (ring the bell if the door is shut).
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions
Parque Natural do Tejo Internacional
11.14 MILES
Still one of Portugal’s wildest landscapes, this 264-sq-km natural park shadows the Rio Tejo and the watersheds of three of its tributaries. While not…
24.94 MILES
This formidable stone fortress seems to grow out of the boulder-littered hilltop. There's not a lot left inside the walls but it's a beautiful site,…
0.43 MILES
On the northwest side of Alcántara, a magnificent 2nd-century Roman bridge – 204m long, 61m high, with six arches and much reinforced over the centuries –…
23.52 MILES
Tucked into a corner of the walled village sits the 6th-century Visigothic cathedral, surrounded by a jigsaw puzzle of scattered archaeological remains…
Catedral de Santa MarÃa de la Asunción
25.84 MILES
Coria's primarily Gothic cathedral has intricate plateresque decoration around its main, north portal. It occupies a well-used sacred site: there was a…
23.46 MILES
The only remaining vestige of the defences the Knights Templar built in the 13th century is the Torre de Menagem. Also known as the Torre dos Templários,…
1.84 MILES
For one of Spain's more unusual swimming experiences, it's hard to go past the Cantera de Alcántara. It was here that the stones were quarried by the…
28.44 MILES
The 17th-century Iglesia de Rocamador sits on the east side of the old town. It was here, in 1497, that Isabel, daughter of the Reyes Católicos (Catholic…
Nearby Extremadura attractions
1. Iglesia de Santa MarÃa de Almocóvar
0.13 MILES
Built atop a long-disappeared mosque (of which no traces remain), this fine sandstone church crowns the old town. Its early days as a church are barely…
0.29 MILES
For a partial view of the Puente Romano from above, walk 100m west from the Iglesia de Santa MarÃa de Almocóvar down Calle de CarnicerÃa, then continue…
0.43 MILES
On the northwest side of Alcántara, a magnificent 2nd-century Roman bridge – 204m long, 61m high, with six arches and much reinforced over the centuries –…
0.57 MILES
Northwest of Alcántara, there's a lookout that takes in both the town and Puente Romano in one sweep. To get there, drive across the Puente Romano along…
1.84 MILES
For one of Spain's more unusual swimming experiences, it's hard to go past the Cantera de Alcántara. It was here that the stones were quarried by the…
6. Parque Natural do Tejo Internacional
11.14 MILES
Still one of Portugal’s wildest landscapes, this 264-sq-km natural park shadows the Rio Tejo and the watersheds of three of its tributaries. While not…
23.46 MILES
The only remaining vestige of the defences the Knights Templar built in the 13th century is the Torre de Menagem. Also known as the Torre dos Templários,…
23.5 MILES
This a 19th-century stone barn near the cathedral houses an impressive olive-oil press made in the traditional way with huge tree trunks providing the…