Visiting Badajoz - What to See and Do

(Badajoz Airport BJZ, Spain)




Like the city itself, the local tourism industry is stronger than ever. Even though the city has experienced dark chapters throughout its history, Badajoz remains proud of its heritage, as can be seen through the abundance of cultural landmarks sprinkled across the landscape. From the ruins of its Moorish castle to the banks of Guadiana River, Badajoz is a city that continuously wows visitors.

The Alcazaba of Badajoz is among Spain's most important historical attractions. This 9th-century fortress impresses tourists with its sheer size and imposing walls. Other popular sights to discover in this Spanish city include the breathtaking Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Gardens of Galera. Tourists sightseeing the town during summer need to remember to rehydrate constantly, as the sun is rather unforgiving between the months of June and August.

Even though the city is famous for its historical treasures, tourists may still enjoy a leisure-filled getaway when holidaying here. The Badajoz Casino may not compare with those of Las Vegas or Macau, but it still provides an interesting place to spend an evening. Tapas bars are not only in abundance, they are also remarkably cheap, offering a memorable night of entertainment.


Ten things you must do in Badajoz



  • The most prominent site within Badajoz is the Moorish Alcazaba. This landmark, which was built in the 9th century and then rehashed in the 12th century, has been a recognised national Spanish monument since 1931. Inside there are many smaller attractions to uncover, including the Bishop's Palace Tower, the Palace of the Dukes of Feria and the Puerta del Capitel. Plan for at least several hours to discover the beauty of these large ruins.
  • Tourists are encouraged to put aside the strict, sightseeing agenda for a few hours and take a stroll through the historical quarter of Badajoz. Tourists will come across plenty of important sites, such as the impressive Old Town gates (Puerta de Palmas), and several intriguing public squares like the Plaza de San Jose. This walk will not require a map, an agenda, or even a planned completion time.
  • Badajoz's warring history can be seen through the Cathedral de San Juan. Its fortified-style facade is influenced by the many conflicts experienced in the city during the medieval period. This 13th-century Gothic edifice is also home to a beautiful interior, which attracts more of the attention than the actual exterior.
  • Extremadura's Iberoamerican Museum of Contemporary Art, which is otherwise known as MEIZC for short, proudly accommodates more than 500 beautiful modern pieces of art. Admission to the site is free, and it is worth noting that this is one of the only places in the city that doesn't close for a siesta midway through the day.
  • More than 15,000 relics and artefacts are found inside the Archaeological Museum of Badajoz. This landmark is located upon the grounds of the Alcazaba, where it includes collections from the city itself and the surrounding region. Moorish tombstones, ceramics, weapons and Roman mosaics are just some of the tantalising relics on display inside this museum.
  • Several religious structures are found across the cityscape. Therefore, church tours are the best way to see and embrace these sights. Two of the most famous such attractions that will undoubtedly be visited by a tour are the Church of Santa Domingo and the Church of San Andres. Each should be explored with the utmost respect for worshipping locals and others inside the church.
  • Taking nothing away from the ancient sites of Badajoz, sightseeing can be a tiresome practice. However, for visitors looking to take a touring break, the casino is a fabulous place to unwind. Place some bets, have a few drinks, and gamble against the slots, tables or machines. This popular attraction is a lot of fun, especially if pockets continue to fill.
  • For many, a holiday is not a holiday without a chance to swing the clubs. Several golf courses are available in the province. However, the Guadiana Golf Course is the most visited links in the city. This course is rather challenging, as the fairways are long and require a precise approach for decent scores.
  • The Bullfighting Museum of Badajoz boasts costumes, memorabilia, artefacts and relics from the history of bullfighting in this region. Some of the collections date as far back as the 16th century. Tourists will find plenty of information regarding famous bullfighters too, including matadors like Victor Mendez and Bienvenida.
  • Art lovers, as well as cultural enthusiasts, have a chance to whet their lust for artistic collections at the Museum of Fine Arts. Located inside a large, 19th-century mansion, the gallery contains a huge range of paintings and sculptures dating back more than 300 years. Engravings, paintings, sculptures and drawings by some of Europe's finest artists are on display here.








Badajoz Airport BJZ

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