A true melting pot of cultures, the blend of Roman, Islamic, Gothic and Renaissance architecture gracing the streets of Cáceres is perhaps what attracted UNESCO's World Heritage committee. An important stop along the Roman Vía de la Plata (Silver Route) and later along the religious Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James), Cáceres' history as a focal point in the clashes between Christians and Muslims can be seen in its architecture. Aside from the mixture of Christian and Muslim architecture, Cáceres is heavily fortified; towers are dispersed throughout the historic quarter, and buildings from churches to homes are heavily fortified.