Badajoz

Badajoz is a city of district character, strategically positioned on the Guadina River and only a few kilometers from Portugal, a proximity that has indelibly marked its identity as a historic border city, or ciudad de frontera.

Its defining landmark is the immense Alcazaba, a formidable Arab fortress perched on a hill, reigning over the city. It is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and stands as a powerful testament to the city's role in the Islamic kingdom of the Taifa of Badajoz. From its ancient walls, you gain sweeping views across the river and the plains of Extremadura.

The city's historic core, surrounded by its defensive ramparts, features the medieval Puerta de Palmas and the impressive Puente de Palmas that spans the Guadiana. The atmosphere in the narrow, winding streets around the Plaza Alta and the Cathedral os San Juan Bautista is one of quiet authenticity, far removed from the pressures of mass tourism.

Badajoz is often celebrated for its deep-rooted gastronomy-especially its jamón ibérico de bellota (acorn-fed Iberian ham) and traditional migas. It offers a compelling blend of military history, Mudejar architectural influence, and a relaxed, welcoming spirit born of its position as a cultural bridge between Spain and Portugal.