NH Gran Hotel Casino Extremadura * * * * *

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.