The history of Cáceres goes back around 25,000 years, proof of which can be found in Late Paleolithic-era cave paintings found in a cave in the historic district. The cave is unfortunately closed to the public but there is an exact replica in the Interpretative Center. Cáceres was founded by the Romans in 25B.C. and is recognized as a bi-millennial city. Its later history was plagued by battles between Christians and Moors for control of the city, which was finally recovered in April 23rd, 1229 (St. George’s Day, patron of Cáceres) by Alfonso IX. When we pass beneath the Estrella Arch of the Puerta Nueva (15th century), we are really passing through much more than just physical space; we’re literally taking a trip through time and exploring the same worn cobblestones that felt the footsteps of Jews, Arabs, Christians, Mozarabs, nobleman, peasants, soldiers, and clergy on their way to the Plaza of Santa María , its Cathedral, and palaces.