Beautiful towns and cities in the province of Badajoz / Learn about the fascinating history and culture of this region
Not only is Hotel Bodega El Moral one of the most unique hotels with a winery in Extremadura, but it is also a perfect base for exploring the most beautiful historical towns and cities in the province of Badajoz.
In order to make your stay with us even more special, we recommend you visit Zafra, Mérida and Llerena etc.
BEAUTIFUL TOWNS AND CITIES IN THE PROVINCE OF BADAJOZ
Visit the most beautiful towns and cities in the province of Badajoz, for instance Zafra, Mérida and Llerena, amongst others, and learn about the fascinating history and culture of this region of Spain.
Beautiful towns in Badajoz 1
Zafra
15 minutes’ drive from the hotel
This town, also known as “Little Seville”, is a cultural heritage site. It has many symbolic buildings, for instance, the Palace of the Duke and Duchess of Feria (which houses the Parador de Zafra), and two famous squares, “the Big Square” (la Plaza Grande) and “the Small Square” (la Plaza Chica).
Stroll along its cobbled streets and admire its numerous patios, convents and colourful facades, all of which reflect its fascinating history. This town reached its culmination in the Middle Ages when it served as the border between the ancient kingdoms of Seville and Badajoz.
Its annual International Livestock Fair, which takes place at the end of September, is, without doubt, the most important event of the year in Zafra, and therefore one of the best times of the year to visit this beautiful town in the province of Badajoz.
Beautiful towns in Badajoz 2
Mérida
40 minutes’ drive from the hotel
Mérida, nicknamed “Little Rome”, is the capital of Extremadura. This city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, should be on everyone’s must-visit list, as it is home to some of the best preserved Roman remains in Spain.
Both the city centre and its surrounding area are full of outstanding monuments, history and art.
The best places to visit in Mérida are the Roman Theatre and the Roman Amphitheatre, the Roman Circus, the Temple of Diana, Mitreo House (a Roman house), Los Milagros (the “Miracles”) Roman Aqueduct, the Roman Bridges and the Arab Citadel (Alcazaba). Mérida, with its abundance of Roman remains, is a truly magical place which you will never forget.
Its most important annual events are the International Classical Theatre Festival and Holy Week.
Beautiful towns in Badajoz 3
Jerez de los Caballeros
50 minutes’ drive from the hotel
Jerez de los Caballeros was an important administrative-military centre during the times of the Order of the Temple. Some of its most important monuments and remains are the Templar Fortress and its numerous bell towers. You can also visit several castles nearby.
This town, one of the most beautiful towns in the province of Badajoz, is one of the “meccas” of Iberian ham, which is a culinary treasure in Spain, and there is an Iberian Ham Fair there every year in spring.
Beautiful towns in Badajoz 4
Llerena
40 minutes’ drive from the hotel
Llerena has many historical monuments, due to the fact that, in the past, it was home to the Grand Masters of the Order of Saint James of the Sword, and also to members of the Holy Office of the Inquisition, all of whom contributed in one way or another to its development as a town.
It is one of the most beautiful towns in the province of Badajoz, and you should visit the remains of its city wall in Cieza de León Park, its spectacular Main Square (Plaza Mayor), and its numerous churches, convents and palaces.
Another interesting place to visit is La Jayona Mine, about 30 minutes by car from Llerena. It is a former iron mine, situated in the Sierra de La Jayona, from where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area.
Beautuful towns in Badajoz 5
Villafranca de los Barros
20 minutes’ drive from the hotel
One of the most interesting places to visit in Villafranca de los Barros is its ethnographic museum, MUVI. It is a very well laid out, modern museum which tells us about the history of the region, with interesting exhibits of everyday objects from the past. In this town you can also visit numerous churches and chapels, San José School (a famous private Jesuit school built at the end of the 19th century) and the Civic Centre (“La Casa de la Cultura”), which is housed in a former flour mill.
Our winery Pago de las Encomiendas is also located in Villafranca de los Barros. You can take a guided tour of the winery and visit our Visitor Information Centre to learn all about our wines.
The most important annual event in this town is a festival of “Regional Tourist Interest” called “La Fiesta de la Vendimia y la Tradicional “Velá” de la Virgen Coronada”. Not only does it celebrate the end of the grape harvest but it also honours the town’s female patron saint.
