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Badajoz town

6A Plaza Reyes Católicos, Badajoz, Extremadura

Description

Badajoz is situated at the western edge of Extremadura, very close to the border with Portugal. It first belonged to the Roman province of Lusitania (controlled out of Merida) and then became a Moorish Taifa for several centuries until the Reconquista (1230), after which it was under alternating Portuguese and Castillan dominion. Architectural and cultural highlights include the Plaza de Espana and Plaza Alta, the Puerta de Palmas (a city gate built in the mid-16th century), the Alcazaba (a Moorish citadel built in the 9th century), the Badajoz Provincial Archaeology Museum, the Town Hall, La Giralda (a replica of that of Sevilla), and the Museo Extremeño e Iberoamericano de Arte Contemporáneo (contemporary art by Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American artists).

Access & Transport

The city is linked by train (45mins) to Merida, 60km to the east, and Caceres is 130km away. The closest cities are Seville (210km) and Lisbon (220km)

Instructions & Recommendations

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Meta review

The town is always listed in travel guides but seldom near the top of regional highlights. This gets reflected in online ratings that are good for the main attractions but often with the caveat that it does not compare with some of the country highlights. This holds true for the Plaza Alta that is described as colourful with an unusual design and a good place for a drink - though it is completely exposed so you may want to avoid visiting during the day in the summer. The nearby Alcazaba is considered to be the other major sight (covered in a separate review) and the Puerta de Palmas is a well-preserved monument that welcomes visitors to the city and is nicely lit up at night.

Environmental & Social

The main attractions in town have a low carbon footprint. Tourism is a welcome injection of activity and revenues in the local economy

Conclusion

Badajoz is a good addition to an Extremadura road trip and worth the detour for anybody visiting Merida. However, we would not describe it as a tourist highlight shining beyond the region's borders.

Key positive

Several sights / attractions in a compact area

Mix of architectural heritages

Key negative

Time consuming to get to

Suitability

Most areas and buildings are accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:4h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningNo

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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