Trujillo

A striking hilltop town famed as the birthplace of conquistador Francisco Pizarro, with a grand medieval Plaza Mayor and a hilltop castle. Its stork-topped towers and stone mansions capture the wealth brought back from the New World.

Things to do

• Plaza Mayor — Wander this grand Renaissance square lined with stone mansions and dominated by the bronze equestrian statue of Francisco Pizarro.
• Trujillo Castle — Climb to the Moorish-built hilltop castle for sweeping views over the plains of Extremadura and the town's stork-topped rooftops.
• Church of Santa María la Mayor — Visit this Gothic-Romanesque church where Pizarro was baptized and climb its tower for panoramic views.
• Palacio de la Conquista — Admire the ornate Plateresque facade of this palace built by Pizarro's family with New World gold.
• Casa-Museo de Pizarro — Explore the small museum dedicated to the life and conquests of Trujillo's most famous son, Francisco Pizarro.
• Stork spotting on the towers — Look up at the numerous white stork nests perched atop the town's medieval towers and church belfries, a Trujillo trademark.
• Church of San Martín — Step inside this 15th-century church housing a historic organ and tombs of noble local families.
• Walk the old Jewish quarter — Stroll the narrow winding streets of the former judería below the castle walls, lined with whitewashed houses.

Food to try

• Torta del Casar — Sample this creamy, pungent sheep's milk cheese from the nearby town of Casar de Cáceres, best scooped with a spoon onto bread.
• Migas extremeñas — Try this hearty shepherd's dish of fried breadcrumbs with chorizo, pork, and paprika, a staple of Extremaduran cuisine.
• Jamón ibérico de bellota — Enjoy thinly sliced acorn-fed Iberian ham, a regional specialty served in bars around the Plaza Mayor.
• Cordero asado — Taste slow-roasted Extremaduran lamb, often cooked in a wood-fired oven and seasoned simply with garlic and herbs.
• Feria Nacional del Queso — If visiting in early May, catch Trujillo's renowned National Cheese Fair showcasing dozens of Spanish cheeses.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect siesta hours — Many shops and some restaurants close in the early afternoon, typically from around 2pm to 5pm.
• Dress modestly in churches — Cover shoulders and knees when entering Santa María la Mayor and other religious sites.
• Storks are protected and beloved — The nesting storks are a source of local pride, so avoid disturbing their nests atop historic buildings.
• Wear comfortable shoes — The town's steep cobblestone streets around the castle and Plaza Mayor can be slippery and uneven.