Plasencia is a city with a deep and rich historical legacy dating back to the late 12th century, when it was founded in 1186 by King Alfonso VIII of Castile. Its creation was motivated by strategic and political reasons, as it was located in a privileged enclave on the banks of the Jerte River, in a transit area between the north and south of the Iberian Peninsula.
Throughout the Middle Ages and the Modern Age, Plasencia established itself as a commercial and defensive centre of great importance, which is reflected in its well-preserved walled enclosure and monumental architecture that has survived to this day. The Plasencia Cathedral complex consists of the Old Cathedral, a 13th-century Romanesque building, and the New Cathedral, begun in the 15th century, with Gothic and Renaissance elements.
Nearby, Parque Los Pinos features ponds with herons, storks and flamingos. North, Monte Valcorchero has cork oak trees and rocky trails
Tourism is important, as its historical center has been declared a site of cultural interestand the city has two festivals declared of tourist interest : Tuesday Mayor and Holy Week.
The city has a university center dependent on the University of Extremadura where four undergraduate degrees and one master’s degree are studied.