Badajoz city and surrounding areas
Badajoz, the largest city in Extremadura, sits on the Portuguese border. Explore its Arab fortress, cathedral, and old squares, and the historic towns and dehesas around it.
Badajoz is the largest city in Extremadura and the capital of the province of Badajoz. It sits on the Guadiana River, right on the border with Portugal, facing the Portuguese city of Elvas.
Badajoz
The city has a long military history, and its fortifications are its main sight.
The Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is one of the largest Arab fortresses in Spain. It was founded in the 9th century by Ibn Marwan, and it still keeps its walls, towers, and gates. Inside you’ll find the Provincial Archaeological Museum.
Plaza Alta and the old town
The Plaza Alta is the oldest part of the city, known for its whitewashed arcades. Nearby are the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista and the Plaza de España. The city’s walls and bastions, built over the centuries, are a reminder that Badajoz was one of the great frontier fortresses between Spain and Portugal.
For contemporary art, the MEIAC (Extremaduran and Ibero-American Museum of Contemporary Art) occupies a restored historic building near the river.
Badajoz city
Festivals
- Carnival of Badajoz (February): one of the best-known carnivals in Spain, with parades, music, and costumes.
- Holy Week (Semana Santa): solemn processions through the old town.
Around Badajoz
- Alburquerque: an old frontier town with the 12th-century Castillo de Luna, and the Castillo de Azagala nearby.
- Olivenza: a border town with a strong Portuguese heritage. Read more about Olivenza.
- Lácara: a natural area near Mérida with the Dolmen of Lácara, a large prehistoric tomb.
- The dehesas around the city, full of holm oaks, are good for walking and wildlife.