Fuente Del Maestre: Mudéjar Heritage and City History

Fuente del Maestre brings together individual buildings, historic squares, a fountain linked to the town’s name, and collections devoted to art and music.

Church, Palace and City Wall

Fuente del Maestre has been protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the “historic ensemble” category since 1998. A central part of its architectural heritage is the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. It was built in the 15th century and completed in the 16th century. Its architecture is shaped by Gothic-Mudéjar and Renaissance elements. The main altar also has its own story: the Seville-based carver Sebastián Jiménez began work on it in 1719; the altar was completed in 1756.

The Palacio del Gran Maestre has two storeys and is built mainly in the Mudéjar style. It is arranged around a courtyard with a double arcade gallery made of exposed brick. Historically, the Palacio was the residence of Suárez de Figueroa, Grand Master of the Order of Santiago. The Iglesia de San Juan reveals another layer of history: it has been a church since the late 15th century, having previously been a Jewish synagogue. Approximately 200 metres of city wall remain in Fuente del Maestre from its medieval fortifications.

Squares and Fuente del Corro

In the historic centre, Calle Pizarra connects two main squares. One of the two is traditionally paved and represents the typical square layout of Baja Extremadura. The squares make the structure of the historic centre a subject in its own right, while the church and Palacio bring individual buildings to the fore.

Fuente del Corro adds a structure with a direct link to the town’s name: Fuente del Maestre is named after this fountain. Fuente del Corro is a square enclosure built of marble, accessed by three staircases. At its centre is a basin with a marble surround. Water used to be drawn there.

Collections and Event Venue

The cultural collections also offer different points of interest. The José Gordillo permanent exhibition includes approximately 50 works. The Museo de Instrumentos de Música Tradicional (Aquilino Vicente) houses more than 100 instruments; its collection spans from the 18th century to the present day. Alongside an exhibition with a modest approximate number of works, there is therefore a larger musical instrument collection with a broad historical span.

Following renovations, the Plaza de Toros of Fuente del Maestre serves not only for bullfighting events but also for other events. Its exterior is square; windows from a project for a cavalry barracks can also be seen in it. Its architectural details and use as a multi-purpose venue offer two different points of interest if you are interested in architecture or events.

Fiestas and Natural Area

The Fiestas del Stmo. Cristo de las Misericordias are traditionally celebrated from 13 to 17 September. The programme includes a daytime fair, bullfighting events, music festivals and a night fair. If you want your trip to coincide with the fiestas, you can use this period as a guide when planning your dates and check the fiesta dates for your travel year.

Another point of interest is Los Diez Ojos, a natural area within the municipality of Fuente del Maestre. The municipal land there is flooded by the extension of the Embalse de Villalba.

Discover more destinations: Badajoz, Jerez De Los Caballeros, Bienvenida, Carmonita, Salvaleón, Higuera de Vargas, Garbayuela, Herrera Del Duque.

Go to the main travel overview: Badajoz.