The old-world episcopal town of Plasencia, founded by Alfonso VIII in 1159 under the name of "Ut Deo placeat" ("May it please God"), lies on a hill encircled by the deep gorge of the Río Jerte, in the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos.
Between the cathedral square, the Plaza de San Nicolás and the Plaza Mayor extends the most interesting part of the old town, with beautiful churches, noble mansions and whitewashed houses with gallery-like projections on the façades.
The little town of Jarandilla de la Vera, a few kilometers east of the Monasterio de Yuste, has a 15th century castle of the Counts of Oropesa, now a parador.
On the corner opposite the cathedral stands the Palacio de los Marqueses de Mirabel, who from the 15th century bore the title of Condes de Plasencia. The palace is built round a courtyard and garden, in which are some archeological remains. The finest room in the palace itself is the Salón de Carlos V, which contains a bust of the Emperor Charles V by Pompeo Leoni.
Plasencia is surrounded by a double circuit of walls, with 68 towers, dating from the time of its foundation. There are fine views from the wall-walk, particularly on the northeast side.
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Monasterio de Yuste
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Jarandilla de la Vera, Spain
