badajoz - in extremadura, spain

Alcazaba y muralla, Jerez de los Caballeros

Where is Badajoz?

It is the most extensive province in all Spain. Bordering on the north with Caceres, on the south with Andalucia east with the lands of Castilla La Mancha, and on the west with the neighboring lands of Alentejo in Portugal.

Its position in the Iberian Peninsula has turned it into a place of rest and a crossing point for all the important cultures that have been in Spain through history, from prehistoric times until today. The most important towns in this province are Badajoz which lies on the south bank of the Guadiana River. The city has more inhabitants than Merida, capital of the Autonomous Region.

Due to its location on the Spanish-Portuguese border, Badajoz has been repeatedly attacked throughout its history and consequently became strongly fortified. The surrounding wall with moat and outworks and forts gives the city an appearance of great strength. Its Roman remains, are among the most important in Spain, they include a magnificent bridge, a triumphal arch, a theatre with marble columns, an aqueduct, a temple, an imposing circus, and an amphitheatre (see Merida below).

Many works of art can be contemplated in its towns and inside its Typical Arabesque arches and tiles, Badajoz important museums, monuments, churches, exhibitions rooms, etc. A stroll around the historic quarter will reveal Arab walls, interesting monuments, as well as picturesque streets and porches. Notable landmarks are the massive cathedral (begun in the 13th cent.) and the remains of the Moorish citadel.

Badajoz is unquestionably a beautiful area, with many natural reserves such as, Cornalvo Natural Park, The Reservoir of Orellana and the Sierra de Hornachos Special Conservation Area. Visitors marvel at the Valley of La Vera fills when the cherry blossoms are blooming in spring. But there is much more than just scenic beauty on offer here and even the most traveled visitor will not fail to be impressed.

Places of interest

Merida - which is the current capital of the province of Badajoz, retains an extensive collection of Roman ruins and has a fabulous museum devoted to Roman history. The Roman Theater is one of the leading landmarks and can accommodate up to 6000 spectators. The near by Anfiteatro was the site of battles between Roman gladiators and could hold as may as 15,000 people.

Zafra - Also known as Little Seville, is dominated by the 15th-century Alcazar. The exterior displays evidence of its use as fortress however the interior resembles a palace. The Castle of the Dukes of Feria is the most important in the province. The palace is now a government Parador, where visitors can fantasize on what life used to be like through the history of this enchanted town. Zafra's monumental heritage is very rich also and visitors will be rewarded whilst strolling through the old Moorish streets and squares.

discover extremadura

The following links will take you to the different regions:

badajoz | cAceres

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