2025 Badajoz Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Located in the heart of Extremadura, Spain, Mérida is one of the most impressive Roman cities outside of Italy. Founded in 25 BC as Augusta Emerita by order of Emperor Augustus, Mérida became the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania and an important cultural, political, and military hub of the empire. Today, it boasts one of the most extensive and best-preserved collections of Roman ruins in Spain, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage designation. The Roman Theatre of Mérida, built in 16 BC, is the city’s most iconic structure. With seating for 6,000 spectators, it hosted theatrical performances, poetry recitals, and public speeches. Remarkably, it is still in use today for the Mérida International Classical Theatre Festival, bringing ancient drama back to life in its original setting. The semi-circular seating arrangement, grand stage, and towering marble columns make it one of the finest examples of Roman theatre architecture in Europe. The Amphitheatre: Gladiator Battles and Spectacle Adjacent to the theatre is the Roman Amphitheatre, completed in 8 BC. With a capacity of 15,000, this arena was the site of gladiator battles and wild animal hunts. Walking through its underground chambers and tunnels, visitors can imagine the roaring crowds as fighters engaged in brutal combat. The oval-shaped design, typical of Roman amphitheaters, closely resembles the Colosseum in Rome. Spanning the Guadiana River, the Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) is one of the longest surviving Roman bridges in the world. Originally built in the 1st century BC, this 792-meter-long structure with 60 arches was a key part of the Via de la Plata, an ancient Roman road connecting Mérida to other important cities. Today, it remains fully functional and is a favorite spot for leisurely walks, offering scenic views of the river and city. In the city center, the Temple of Diana stands as one of Mérida’s most impressive remnants of Roman religious architecture. Despite its name, it was likely a temple dedicated to the imperial cult rather than to the goddess Diana. Nearby, the Arch of Trajan, a grand stone gateway, once marked the entrance to the Roman forum and still stands as a reminder of Mérida’s former grandeur. The Roman Circus of Mérida is one of the largest and best-preserved in the world, rivaling even the Circus Maximus in Rome. Measuring 440 meters in length, it could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators who gathered to watch thrilling chariot races. The site still retains its original track, seating areas, and even parts of the starting gates, providing an authentic glimpse into the excitement of Roman sporting events. #romanforum

🏙There is a low-key town in southern Spain that is both delicious and fun. It is Badajoz in Extremadura. This historic city close to the Portuguese border is a blend of Moorish culture, Spanish traditions and Portuguese style. It has both magnificent historical sites and mouth-watering cuisine. If you like long history, exotic architecture, and street food full of fireworks, then Badajoz will definitely be a surprise place on your travel list! Plaza Alta (Picture 1-2) is quite photogenic, and the red and white arcades are particularly suitable for taking photos. This square was once the commercial and social center of Badajoz, and it still retains a strong historical atmosphere. ✨ Travel Tips: 📸 Best time to take photos: before 10am or after 5pm, avoid strong sunlight. 🎭 Recommended experience: If you catch a local festival (such as Carnival, Easter), there will be open-air performances and markets in the square, which is very lively! Not far away is the Badajoz Castle (Alcazaba de Badajoz), a Moorish castle built in the 12th century and declared a Spanish historical monument in 1931. ⏳ Historical background: It was built in the 12th century by the Moors and later recaptured and reinforced by the Christians. In 1931, it was listed as a national historic monument by the Spanish government. Standing on the city wall, you can overlook the Guadiana River and the entire city. 🎟 Tour highlights: ✅ Defense Tower (Torre de Espantaperros): It is one of the symbols of Badajoz and is similar in style to the Golden Tower in Seville. ✅ Castle Garden: The ancient city walls, arches and lush green gardens complement each other, and walking through them is like traveling back to the Moorish era. ✅ Sunset view: It is recommended to go there in the evening, standing on a high place overlooking the city, and the sunset shining on the red brick walls is beautiful. Here you can also find a variety of fresh local ingredients, such as Iberian ham. Every year, the small town of Monesterio next to it holds the Ham Day (Día del Jamón de Monesterio). During the event, many stalls will be set up in the city for everyone to taste a variety of hams and cured meats, and there will also be interesting ham cutting competitions. 🚗Badajoz is not very large, so after visiting, you can go to the nearby medieval city of Mérida. It’s less than an hour’s drive away, so it’s perfect for a packed trip!

Traveling westward in Spain ~ Badajoz Province (region) Zafra, also known as Sevilla la Chica, is located in the heart of Lower Extremadura, in the Sierra de Castellar On the plain at the foot of rocky cliffs. The integration of the city began with the strategic relay station of "Via La Plata" in Roman Spain. The San Miguel Livestock Fair is an inherent feature of this time-honored commercial tradition. The town was governed by the Álcazar in the 15th century. It has a military appearance on the outside but is palace-like on the inside. The Renaissance cloister in the central courtyard is particularly eye-catching. It currently houses the Parador de Turismo. The surroundings of this medieval town have a unique structure, with narrow streets and an odd layout shaped like a turtle shell. A 15th-century stone wall completely surrounds it, and three of the original eight doors still stand. The large arched square is located in the very center of the town. Connected to it via the popular "Arquillo del Pan" you will find its smaller counterpart: Plaza Chica. But Zafra's monumental legacy is vast: the ornate collegiate church of La Candelaria, built in 1546 and containing three altarpieces, one by Zurbarán and the other by Churriguera; the parish church of San José ; Numerous monasteries, mainly built in the 16th century; in terms of civil architecture, there are a large number of Hidalgo manors from the 16th to 18th centuries and middle-class mansions from the 19th century. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Extremadura

Spain, heading west ~ Badajoz Province (region) It is the most important square in Jerez de los Caballeros. Spacious and well-lit, it features a church and various buildings on one side, surrounded by whitewashed squares with an Andalusian flavor. Additionally, you can visit other monuments in the town, as well as restaurants, bars, and some small businesses where you can buy souvenirs and gifts. It is very attractive, just like the whole city, which is full of medieval history and Templar knights. Jerez de los Caballeros is not to be missed!

Westward in Spain ~ Badajoz Province (Region) This castle, built in the 13th century, is now part of the public promenade of Jerez de los Caballeros. It has been well preserved and maintained since the time of the Knights Templar, making it an intriguing place to visit. You can enter for free and freely wander through the castle, enjoying the beautiful surroundings of palm trees and buildings, with the best views of the town. From there, you can see everything around this beautiful town. You are welcome to explore, it is truly beautiful!

Westward in Spain ~ Badajoz Province (Region) A beautiful corner of Jerez de los Caballeros, just a few minutes from the city center. The gate, which holds significant historical importance, is in good condition despite obvious restorations. It is one of the main entrances to the walled city located here. Its history dates back to the 15th century. In front of it, we find the statue of Hernando de Soto.