Discover Badajoz

When looking for a hotel in Badajoz, the focus of your stay can make all the difference. The Alcazaba and other fortifications offer a glimpse into the city’s architectural history; museums and Carnival offer different perspectives. You can consider whether you are most interested in historic architecture, views, exhibitions or the annual festive tradition.

Fortification history and buildings

The Alcazaba de Badajoz was originally built in 875 by Abd-al-Ramman Ibn Marwan “El Yilliqui.” Its present-day form is largely the result of a major renovation by the Almohads in the 12th century. The building thus combines an early foundation with a later, defining transformation. The northern section offers panoramic views over the city.

The Jardines de la Galera lie beside the wall of the Arab Alcazaba, next to the Torre de Espantaperros, also known as Atalaya, and the Semibaluarte de San Antonio, which forms part of the bastioned city wall. In this location, the gardens connect the two fortified areas. They also offer panoramic views over Badajoz.

The Puerta de Palmas is a fortified gate opposite the Puente de Palmas. Two cylindrical towers crowned with battlements flank the gate. The stone bridge was built in the Herrera style towards the end of the 16th century. Its straight route rises slightly in the middle and is almost 600 metres long overall. The Portuguese Restoration War (1640–1668) made it clear that Badajoz’s earlier fortifications could no longer withstand attacks by heavy enemy artillery.

Routes and views

A route along the fortifications can begin at Ramón y Cajal Street, Avenida Joaquín Costa or Ronda del Pilar. It passes through the city’s Arab, medieval and modern-era defensive structures. This lets you explore the history of the fortifications not just at a single building, but along different sections of the defensive works.

The Hornabeque is open to visitors free of charge. The Fuerte de San Cristóbal can also be visited; it offers views of the Guadiana River, the city’s bridges and the Arab Alcazaba. Check local access conditions before your visit.

Museums and Carnival

The Museo de la Ciudad “Luís de Morales” presents the history of Badajoz from prehistoric times to the Islamic foundation of the city. The Museo del Carnaval de Badajoz is located in La Poterna, a historic building. There, local residents display elaborately designed costumes, musical compositions, texts and festive objects. The two museums have different focuses: the city museum spans a long historical period, while the Carnival museum showcases contributions to local festivities.

Every year, the Carnaval de Badajoz fills the city’s streets with costumes, choreographies, murgas, comparsas, choirs and floats or festive objects. This annual tradition offers a distinctive way to experience the city, different from its historic buildings and the chronological perspective of the city museum.

Check visiting hours

If you would like to visit the interior of the Puerta de Palmas, the Casas Mudéjares tourist office can provide information about visiting hours. It also offers information to help you understand the buildings and their surroundings. You can check the relevant hours there when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Campomanes, Feria, El Raposo, Higuera De Llerena, Mengabril, Orellana La Vieja, Siruela, La Zarza.

For the broader travel overview: Badajoz.