Discover Casas de Don Pedro

Casas de Don Pedro lies on the Guadiana and near the Orellana Reservoir. When choosing a destination, you’ll find a water-rich landscape alongside a townscape shaped by religious architecture, festivals and crafts. The part of the Orellana Reservoir associated with Casas de Don Pedro is designated as the ZEPA de Orellana y Sierra de Pela because of its waterbird habitat. Waterbird populations vary with the seasons.

Waterscapes and viewpoints

Risco de Valdehornos is connected to the Fuente de Valdehornos spring in the surrounding valleys. From the El Punto de Mira viewpoint, you can see the region’s castles and inland reservoir landscapes on clear days, so visibility depends on the weather. To reach the Mirador del Azud de Casas de Don Pedro, take the road from Casas de Don Pedro to Talarrubias, then the Canal de las Dehesas track, followed by a path. There are waterbirds at the azud. As access involves local tracks and paths, and conditions may vary seasonally, check the current situation before your visit.

Routes and pilgrimage traditions

Two routes with different overall distances are worth considering when planning your trip. The Camino Natural del Guadiana is a 343-kilometre linear route with 24 stages. It passes through Casas de Don Pedro and corresponds to the GR 114. Check the latest route information and local access conditions before setting out on a hike. The Camino de los Mineros de Peregrinación a Guadalupe is 124 kilometres long and comprises five stages. One 14-kilometre stage runs from Talarrubias to Casas de Don Pedro. These details help put the two routes into perspective: for the Camino Natural, the focus is on its long overall distance and stages, while for the Camino de los Mineros, a specific 14-kilometre section with its start and end points is also provided. Another historical pilgrimage connection is the Ermita del Calvario: pilgrims travelling to Guadalupe used to visit it.

Architecture and art

The townscape features traditional architecture, including manor houses, wrought-iron grilles and noble coats of arms. The Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol dates from the late 14th century. Its Gothic structure is built of masonry and brick, and its tower is in the Mudéjar style. Another religious landmark is the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, a 16th-century Mudéjar chapel containing a sculpture of the Virgin after whom it is named. The parish altarpiece in Casas de Don Pedro is a gilded, polychrome Plateresque work from the second half of the 16th century. The sculpture “Ayuda al caído” by Juan de Ávalos is also located in the town centre.

Festivals and local traditions

Las Candelas is celebrated on February 2 with a procession following a large Candelilla, a traditional local sweet. Los Diablucos is a Corpus Christi tradition; details of the performance may vary. At the procession during the patron saint celebrations for the Virgen de los Remedios, an Abanderado, two Alabarderos and a Capitán take part. They perform a ritual at several stops. The Romería de San Isidro Labrador takes place on May 15: a procession with floats heads to the banks of the Guadiana, followed by celebrations throughout the day. Carnival in Casas de Don Pedro features Murgas and Estudiantinas. The processions and performances show the different ways local traditions come to life throughout the festive calendar.

Weaving and cuisine

Traditional weaving includes patchwork blankets, bedspreads locally known as “ruedas y codos”, and dyed linen textiles. Culinary traditions also feature a variety of dishes, including products from home butchering, Migas, Ajoblanco and Calderetas. Sweets and sweet pastries include Flores, Candelillas and “Bollos de los Santos”. Together, these craft and culinary traditions offer a glimpse into different aspects of everyday life in the area.

Discover more destinations: Granja de Torrehermosa, Villar Del Rey, Don Alvaro, Bienvenida, Fuentes De León, Valencia De Las Torres, Higuera de Vargas, Quintana De La Serena.

For the regional travel overview: Badajoz.