Population: 9,781.   Five hundred years ago a man from this remote mountain top town in southern Extremadura,  Vasco Nunez de Balboa discovered and named the Pacific Ocean.  The other famous native son of this region, Hernando De Soto discovered, crossed and later was himself buried in the Mississippi River.  The year 2000 marked the 500th anniversary of the year that Balboa set off to the New World and the 500th birthday of Hernando de Soto. Members of the medieval order of the Knights Templar were besieged and defeated in Jerez during the 1307 repression of their chivilrous order by the Pope and King of France. These valient knights were forever honored by this town which calls itself Jerez "of the Knights" (de los Caballeros). Jerez de los Caballeros has a population of about 10,000 inhabitants. There are no evangelical churches in this beautiful town.

Santa Catalina

Jamón Ibérico  Jerez is one the leading Extremaduran towns for ham production and considered by many to have the finest quality ibério hams in the world..Extremadura is famous for cured hams from its choice stock of special Iberian boars native only to this peninsula.  Ibérico hogs roam the mountains eating acorns which impart the most exquisite flavor to the meat.  The dry climate helps the curing process, that lasts up to three years. The finished product "Jamón Iberico" is an expensive delicacy that costs up to $300 for each leg of ham.