About Trujillo
Culture - History
Perched on a hill some 580 meters above sea level, dominating an extensive plain between Extremadura's two major rivers the Tagus and the Guadiana, lie the Towers of Trujillo. Trujillo is crowned by its Moorish Castle, built on Roman foundations, ramparts and fortifications. The origins of this important city, with its dominant historical roots, go back to six centuries before Christ.
In
1232 Trujillo was reconquered by the Christians from the Moors. In 1432, King
Juan II bestowed the town with the honour of "The very Noble and Loyal
City".
Despite Trujillo’s important early medieval presence and rich origins, it is the architecture from the 15th. and 16th.Centuries which survive as the important monuments.
Many illustrious names have been linked to history of Trujillo. Some of history's most distinguished figures were born there. Examples of such great men are:-
• Francisco Pizarro.
Founder of Lima and conqueror of Peru.
• Garcia Paredes.
Known as the Sampson of Extremadura; also founder of the city
of Trujillo in Venezuela.
• Francisco de Orellana.
Discoverer of the Amazon.
• Nuflo de Chavez.
Founder of Santa Cruz in Bolivia.
• Francisco de las Casas.
One of the first settlers in Mexico.
The legacy of the Conquistadors is emphasised by the abundant wealth of noble monuments and mansions throughout the city. In 1970 the State declared Trujillo as a "National Monument of Historic & Artistic Buildings".
On their return to their native soil, the Conquistadors built magnificent residences which not only reflected their adventures abroad, but also portrayed the colonisation of South America.
The
Plaza Mayor, the city's impressive centre and focal point is filled with elegant
buildings and Palaces displaying fine examples of plateresque architecture.
A prominent feature is the elegant equestrian bronze sculpture of Francisco
Pizarro (whose twin is in Peru) a work carried out by the American artist Charles
Rumsey, emphasizing the importance of the conquistador’s return to Spain
from South America.
Set above the main square is the Medieval part of Trujillo known as the "Villa" (Roman town encompassed by a fortified wall) which is crowned by the city's substantial Castle.
The Villa encompasses the three cultures which have left their mark throughout the city, these being Roman, Muslim and Christian.
Winding up and through the narrow cobbled streets in the "Villa" there are diverse 16th Century houses and Noble Palaces with semi fortified towers.
It is among these monuments that the birthplaces of Francisco Pizarro and Francisco de Orellana can be found. Also situated in the heart of the villa is one of the finest examples of Spanish gothic architecture found in the Church of Santa Maria La Mayor (on right) incorporating a Roman Tower called la "Torre Julia". One can also visit the nearby church of St.James's which was built in the 13th century.
Today Trujillo, 250 kms from Madrid by motorway, is the principal commercial centre for the predominantly agricultural region. Trujillo hosts annual Agricultural fairs, and the prestigious National cheese festival.
Trujillo is even better known for its traditional costumed dancing during Easter week accompanied by folkloric music. In the summer numerous typical fiestas are also staged. These events have been declared of National tourist interest.
The town's excellent location lends itself well as a base from which to make a day trip to the Roman town of Merida, the important monastery of Guadalupe, the province’s capital Caceres and the national wild life reserve of Monfrague.
During your stay in Trujillo it is well worth while visiting:
- The Castle offering outstanding views and
a seasonal open air theatre
- The Church of Santa Maria (early Gothic)
- The Pizarro museum
- The Costume (trajes) museum
- The Bull Ring which hosts a multitude of events inculding
Bullfights, Concerts & Fairs
- The Cheese and Wine museum at the lower end of the street
called Margarita Iturralde almost opposite the Travel Agent Viajes Halcon
- Adjacent to the Parador is the Carmelite monastery (closed
order) who make delicious almond biscuits and a variety of cookies
In this vicinity there is a public paying Car Park opposite the Post Office and several banks able to offer foreign exchange, the best in our opinion is the Banco Bilbao Viscaya.
Every Thursday morning there is a Market offering food and vegetables, pottery, flowers, clothes, jewellery and linen. It takes place just off the main square, Calle Sillerias.
You can take a horse and cart trip around the town leaving from the main square
Fiestas
Easter Week (Semana Santa)
The week leading up to Easter is celebrated by processions around the town accompanied by drums on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The processions culminate on Good Friday with local people dressing in special costumes who follow ornate floats.
On Easter Sunday the local people dress in bright colourful costumes and dance the “Jota” with a live band in the main square.
Cheese
Festival
The National Spanish Cheese Festival is held in the main square and takes place in early May every year. Many hundred’s of cheeses from all over Spain are displayed for tasting and purchase.
Medieval Market
Again, held in the main square. Stalls are set up selling various traditional local products ranging from jewellery to herbs and spices. The stall sellers are dressed in medieval costume. Donkey rides are available for children and often rare animals are displayed.
Cabezudos, 15th August
Huge giants on stilts appear in the main square with papier mâche masks. They throw sweets to the children.
Salve,
first weekend of September
Celebrating the patron saint of Trujillo, the Virgin Mary. She is carried in a procession from the castle to the main square. In the evening all the main square lights are dimmed and the town’s people sing a hymn called the Salve in the virgin’s honour. Shortly afterwards there is a spectactular fireworks display.
Castle Plays, early summer
Open air plays are staged in the castle available for public viewing.
The Feria
At the beginning of May a fun fair is staged in the town offering many rides and stalls
Nightlife
Restaurants
There are numerous excellent restaurants and bars of varying prices generally dotted about, but principally located in the main square.
Three restaurants we would recommend are:
“El
Corral del Rey” restaurant trujillo just by the farmacia Solis in the main square.
“Bizcocho”
restaurant trujillo on the main square.
The
Parador
restaurant trujillo Calle Santa Beatriz de Silva.
The NH hotel, the Isla del Gallo and Dos Orillas also have good
restaurants. 
“NH Restaurant” on the main square.
Dos
Orillas
Calle Victoria
Rioja & Ribera del Duero red wines are excellent value, lamb and beef dishes are typical of this region.
Bars
There are many vibrant bars surrounding the main square which offer delicious “tapas”
Just off the main square is Calle Garcia which has many bars
and several night clubs:
We recommend:
- Carbonera
- Abadia - well worth a visit offering outdoor seating during the summer months
with a view of the castle which is illuminated. Open until the early hours of
the morning.
General
Shops open from 10.00 hrs to 14.00 hrs and 17.30 until 20.30.
Restaurants do not serve dinner until 21.00 hrs.
Everybody has a siesta in the afternoon.
Bird watching tours and horse Riding can be arranged. Ask at the tourist office for more information.
If you are a keen golfer there is a golf course near Caceres at the Caceres Golf Hotel, Carretera de Merida.
In Spain it is customary to take an evening walk or promenade
due to the pleasant temperature at this time of the day. Walks around the town
reveal fantastic views much appreciated by artists and photographers.
Photos by kind permission of Chuty.
Outside Trujillo (Day Trips)
Trujillo is situated at the centre of several interesting places to visit. All strongly recommended within about 40 minutes drive from Trujillo, these are listed below. Full and detailed information is available from the Tourist Office.
Merida – Caceres – Guadalupe – Monfrague Wildlife Park.
We have at our visitors disposal a reliable driver called “Izmael” with a small modern (8 seater - air conditioned) bus who charges approx. Euros 150 for a door to door all inclusive day trip. Tel 649 700432.
Write to:
Graffix House
Newtown Road
Henley on Thames
Oxfordshire
RG9 1HG
Or ring:
+44 (0) 20 7381 6000
Or E-mail:
enquiries@trujilloespana.com