Tourist information - Badajoz
The primitive citadel of Civitas Pacis was already widely famous during Roman times, yet the Muslims were the ones who gave it its present name, when they called it Batalyoz within the 8th century. The city gained a massive political as well as military relevance when it became among the Taifa kingdoms that proliferated within the Peninsula following the fall of the Caliphate of Cordoba the Muslim power that ruled the occupied territories in the 11th century. Reconquered at the 13th century by the Christian Monarchs, the city reinforced its fighting spirit due to its location to the so-called "line", the boundary among Spain as well as Portugal.
Arab heritage. The historical need for a good defence system is evidenced by its strategic location, around the banks of the Guadiana River, along with within the Muela Hill, a walled precinct constructed from walls, gates, along with bastions. The Alcazaba (citadel), proclaimed Historic-Artistic Site, dominates the whole defence network. Its Almohad walls surround eye-catching gardens, and also the Palace of the Dukes of Roca, which presently houses the Regional Archaeological Museum. Here we will discover around 15,000 pieces found in the numerous archaeological sites at the province.
The most charming streets and porches are situated in the foot of the Alcazaba, around the square Plaza de San José, along with Plaza Alta. This last one is constructed out of fifteenth-century porches. Another square, the Plaza de España, houses the City Hall and also the cathedral of Badajoz. The Romanesque-Gothic temple, which resembles a fortress, preserves interesting Renaissance ornamental pieces. Thus, it's worthwhile to stop and also admire the bas-relieves around the stalls of the choir, along with around the Flemish tapestries that decorate the sacristy. Within the interior of the cathedral we can also find paintings by Zurbarán, Ribera and Bocanegra.
In the area surrounding Plaza de España, the best places for Extremaduran cuisine is found. The cuisine of Badajoz includes ancient recipes made with local products, together with others that have been brought from America, like paprika and also potatoes. Tomato soup, roasted lamb, and fried trout, are one of the dishes that should be served with the excellent Iberian sausages, with the label Designation of Origin - Dehesa de Extremadura. The wines should have the label Designation of Origin - Ribera Del Guadiana.
We can continue our journey by going to another two museums of great importance within the city: The Regional Museum of Fine Arts and the Extremaduran Museum of Spanish-American Contemporary Art (MEIAC). The collection of the first museum, which is located in a palatial house from the late 19th century, focuses on the artwork (both painting as well as sculpture) of Extremaduran artists. Within the meantime, the MEIAC, which is situated in one of the bastions of the wall, specialises in Spanish, Extremaduran, Portuguese, as well as Latin American art from 1980 to the present, as the symbol of the three geopolitical currents that meet at Extremadura.
One of the most emblematic gates of the city is the Palmas Gate, which leads to the bridge under the same name that crosses the Guadiana River. Two crenellated towers guard the access to this bridge, with about thirty semicircular arches. They were constructed following the design of Juan de Herrera, among the most significant architects of the Spanish Renaissance.
A province to discover A full visit to Badajoz will also lead us trough its little squares and gardens, such as attractive gardens of Castelar and also San Francisco. The squares of Soledad, Libertad and also San Juan are great for feeling the pulse of the city. For this purpose, it is as well worthwhile arriving at the city throughout the Carnival, or throughout the celebrations of Holy Week.
Raya, Vega del Guadiana and also Land of Barros are towns that will take us to prehistoric Dolmens, castles, along with white little villages among holms-oak as well as cork-oak forests. Among the cities that we will see on our way, the capital of Extremadura, Mérida, and the ancient Roman Emérita Augusta stands out. The elegance that it enjoyed as the capital of Lusitania left behind a legacy of innumerable monuments; not in vain was it declared World Heritage. The National Museum of Roman Art, built by Rafael Moneo, completes the journey across the Roman constructions of the city. The Parador de Turismo (Tourist Inn) of Merida is located in an old 18th century convent. It is an unbeatable choice to stay during our trip, or perhaps when attending the Merida Classical Theatre Festival.
Vía de la Plata (the Silver Road, which presently goes from Cadiz to Oviedo) also is from the Roman period. This road, which was a pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela throughout the middle Ages currently takes us to enjoyable Extremaduran towns like Zafra, Mérida, Caceres (with a historical quarter that was declared World Heritage) and also Plasencia. Not far from this road, the nature reserves of Monfragüe along with Cornalvo have nature centres where one can obtain information regarding the best trails to follow in order to explore them
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