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Located on the
banks of the Guadiana River, only six kilometres away from Portugal, Badajoz
(the largest province in Spain) has always been marked by its proximity to the
border. The Moors were the ones who gave it its present name, when they called
it Batalyoz in the 8th century. The city gained enormous political and military
relevance when it became one of the Taifa kingdoms that proliferated in the
Peninsula following the fall of the Caliphate of Cordoba —the Muslim power that
ruled the occupied territories— in the 11th century. Reconquered in the 13th
century by the Christian Monarchs, the city reinforced its fighting spirit due
to its location on the so-called "line", the boundary between Spain and
Portugal. A stroll around the historic quarter will reveal Arab walls,
interesting monuments, as well as picturesque streets and porches. The most
picturesque ones are located at the foot of the Alcazaba, around the square
Plaza de San José and Plaza Alta. This last one is made of fifteenth century
porches. Another square, Plaza de España, houses the City Hall and the cathedral
of Badajoz. The Romanesque-Gothic temple, which resembles a fortress, preserves
interesting Renaissance ornamental pieces. It is worthwhile stopping and
admiring the bas-reliefs in the stalls of the choir and in the Flemish
tapestries that decorate the sacristy. Inside the cathedral there are also
paintings by Zurbarán, Ribera and Bocanegra. One of the most emblematic
gates of the city is the Palmas Gate, which leads to the bridge under the same
name that crosses the Guadiana River. Two towers guard the access to this
bridge, with about thirty semicircular arches. They were built following the
design of Juan de Herrera, one of the most significant architects of the Spanish
Renaissance.
Badajoz is also an excellent starting point for further travelling through the
Land of Barros, Mérida and the Cornalvo Nature Reserve. In all these places you
can try the delicious Extremaduran cuisine. |
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