Text:
“LA CATALANA” (the name of the company).
“SEGUROS CONTRA INCENDIOS A PRIMA FIJA” (insurance against fires with a fixed premium).
Symbol: A shield with vertical stripes, evoking the Catalan coat of arms (the Senyera of Catalonia).
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Spanish insurance companies used to place these metal plaques on the façades of buildings they insured, especially against fire. This practice was common all over Europe. These plaques served both as advertising and as a mark of protection: fire brigades often prioritized extinguishing fires in buildings insured by their company.
PALRA
136301
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
Left plaque (ceramic street sign)
Language: Spanish
Text: “CALLE ADARVE DEL PADRE ROSALÍO”
This is the street name. “Adarve” refers to a walled passage or alley, typical of medieval towns. Padre Rosalío is a local religious figure commemorated here.
Right plaque (metallic commemorative plaque)
Language: Spanish
Though partly blurred, the inscription refers to the restoration of the old quarter (Ciudad Antigua de Cáceres), mentioning the Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad (World Cultural Heritage) designation by UNESCO.
It includes a date: November 1986, which is when Cáceres was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
PALRA
136308
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
This is a ceramic street plaque in Cáceres, located at the Plazuela de Publio Hurtado (a small square inside the old town).
Language: Spanish.
Style: Hand-painted azulejos (ceramic tiles), a tradition with deep roots in Andalusí (Moorish) and later Renaissance Spain.
Decorative elements: The framing uses Renaissance-inspired motifs: cherubs/nude figures in blue and white, surrounded by vegetal scrolls in blue and ochre tones. This kind of decoration became common in the 19th and early 20th centuries when cities renewed their signage with ceramic plaques.
Function: It’s not medieval but part of Cáceres’ heritage preservation efforts to beautify the historic center with artisanal signage that blends well with the monumental setting.
PALRA
136309
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
The language on the sign is Spanish. With a French loanword used as the restaurant’s name.
"Restaurante-Tapería" means Restaurant and Tapas Bar.
The word "Bouquet" is French, but here it is used as a brand name in Spanish context, often to evoke refinement (as in wine bouquet).
PALRA
136311
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
It represents the Cruz de la Orden de Santiago (Cross of the Order of Santiago), a military and religious order founded in the 12th century in Spain. The cross is easily recognized by its cross-shaped design with fleur-de-lis (flower-like) ends, symbolizing honor and service.
In Cáceres, which was an important stronghold of the Order of Santiago, these marks often appear on stones, churches, and houses to indicate protection, ownership, or devotion to the order.
PALRA
136312
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
It is the oldest gate of the Cáceres wall, dating back to the 3rd century, built by the Romans. It’s the only city gate that still preserves Roman masonry blocks in its structure. In the Middle Ages, it became known as Puerta del Río because it led towards the river. Later, a small chapel with an image of the Virgin and Child (which you see in the photo) was placed above the arch, giving it its popular name: Arco del Cristo.
It was one of the main entrances used by medieval inhabitants. Its survival makes it a key testimony to the Roman origins of Cáceres’ walls.
PALRA
136313
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
—
PALRA
136314
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
—
PALRA
136315
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
—
PALRA
136316
Laura_Pizarro_Jacinto
Spain
Cáceres
This is a house number tile in Cáceres, showing the number 5.
Lingscape
