City of Coria
The Very Noble and Loyal City of Coria is a Spanish municipality located in Alta Extremadura. Nestled in the fertile region of the Alagón Valley, today, it is the most important historic-artistic, commercial, administrative and judicial hub in the northwest area of the province of Cáceres.
A legacy of culture and civilisation forged by the different peoples—Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, Jews and Christians—that settled in these abundantly fertile lands and left their traces scattered across the most evocative corners of our ancient city. Under its fascinating appearance lie the vestiges of Caura, the primitive settlement of the Celtic Vettones, from around the 8th century BC, which would later become the Hispano-Roman Caurium in the 1st century BC, followed by the new Arab Madinat Qüriya of the 8th century, a strategic location sought after by the Muslims as well as the Christians during the Reconquest, until it was finally taken by King Alfonso IX of León in 1213.
With its two-thousand-year-old history, it is Spain’s ninth oldest population centre and boasts
extraordinary charm. It is also the most archaic diocese of Extremadura that, with the passage of time, went on from being a land of royalty to the lordship of a county and, subsequently, the seat of the Marquisate of Alba in 1472.
Memories of its illustrious and glorious past are partly evoked by the magnificent Monumental Complex that adorns its noble and episcopal Historic Centre. The imposing 1st-century Roman City Walls guarding it as the best-preserved fortifications of Roman origin in all of Europe, the majestic 15th-century Castle and the stately 15th-16th-century Palace of the Dukes of Alba together comprise the symbol of the long-established power of the nobility. The grand 15th-18th-century Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption (Catedral de Santa María de la Asunción), a jewel of Extremadura’s Gothic-Plateresque architecture, is home to the mysterious universal relic the Sacred Tablecloth of the Last Supper. Other places of interest include the 17th-century Episcopal Palace, the 16th-18thcentury Church of St. James the Apostle (Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol), the 16th-17th-century Convento de la Madre de Dios (Convent of the Mother of God), the 16th-19th-century Hospital of St. Nicholas of Bari, the 17th-19th-century Conciliar Residential College-Seminary, the 17thcentury Royal Prisons that were later converted into the Museum of History, Archaeology and Ethnography, and Ecclesiastical in the 18th century, the 17th-18th-century Sanctuary of Our Lady of Argeme (Santuario de Nuestra Señora Virgen de Argeme) outside the city walls, the 16th-century Stone Bridge, and the 20th-century Iron Bridge.
During a tour of the surrounding areas, you cannot miss the spectacular landscapes that add distinction to our region. Enjoy pleasant walks in the natural areas, parks and gardens of the city, such as the lush green walk along the bank of the Alagón River, the Paseo Fluvial de la Isla, and the Tamujal Park. Visitors can also enlighten themselves through the abundant collection of flora representative of the Mediterranean forest and the riverbank that houses the Botanical Garden.
An enchanting paradise that can also be enjoyed through the numerous festive traditions of our region. From the municipality’s extensive cultural catalogue that guarantees entertainment and a great atmosphere throughout the year, you will certainly find at least one event that suits your taste, such as FitCoria (March), Holy Week (March-April), Feast of Saint John (Fiestas de San Juan) (June), International Theatre Festival (July), tourism festival Agosto Turístico that includes the Descent of the Alagón River, International Guitar Festival, Artisan Candle Market, the tourism festival Jueves Turístico (August), and the food festival Coria Sabor Micológico (November).
However, one of the best ways to pamper yourself is by indulging in the city’s rich traditional cuisine. You can find the recipes of the forgotten flavours of yesteryear in the local restaurants, or share the passion for delicious tapas at the food festivals “TauroTapas FitCoria” and “GastroCoria Encueros” in spring, or “Coria Sabor Micológico” in autumn. Discover the splendid artisan confectionery through delectable monastic sweets carefully prepared by the Franciscan nuns at the Convent of the Mother of God.
In essence, with these and many other activities to be explored and discovered, Coria will patiently await the curious visitors, so that they can thoroughly enjoy them engaging all five senses, alongside their partners, family and friends, with the spirit of sharing their experiences of our deeply rooted customs and traditions, and our rich cultural and natural heritage inherited over the millennia, in this magical setting of history and life that is the modern City of Coria, the main tourist destination in the northwest of Extremadura.
