Valverde De Leganés: Landscape, Architecture and Festivities

Valverde De Leganés lies between Olivenza and Almendral, near the Pantano de Piedra Aguda. Its landscape, architectural history, local products and recurring festivities offer different reasons to explore the town. When looking for hotels in Valverde De Leganés, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: nature by the reservoir, architecture or a particular festival.

Landscape at the Pantano de Piedra Aguda

The Pantano de Piedra Aguda is about two kilometres from Valverde De Leganés and was built in the 1960s. Its dam wall is 30 metres high; it has a capacity of 16.3 hm³ and a flooded area of 250 hectares. Height, capacity and area represent three different measures of the reservoir and help put its dimensions into perspective.

The banks are covered with eucalyptus trees, holm oaks and cork oaks. The landscape also includes Mediterranean vegetation and numerous batholiths. The Piedra del Niño Dios rock is located at the Pantano and offers a view across the entire Llanos de Olivenza region. The Almendro Real (Prunus amygdaloides) was designated an “Árbol Singular” because of its biometric characteristics, beautiful growth and spectacular blossom.

Buildings and architectural history

The parish church of San Bartolomé Apóstol has a Latin-cross floor plan; it is Late Gothic and features rib vaults. The combination of its floor plan, style and vaulting provides three distinct clues for understanding the church’s architecture.

The Palacio de Monroy was remodelled in the second half of the 16th century; only two walls remain today. The early dating of the Real Pósito is less certain: the building was probably constructed in the 16th century. According to the inscription date, its granite-clad façade dates from the 18th century and bears the year 1746.

The Convento de la Madre de Dios is 2.5 kilometres from the town and was founded in 1540. Thus, buildings with different documented dates and states of preservation stand side by side both in Valverde itself and in its surrounding area.

Local cuisine

Local cuisine in Valverde De Leganés includes olive oil, Pitarra wine and olives. These three products provide a tangible point of reference for the town’s culinary offerings. If local products are among your travel interests, you can keep them in mind when planning your trip.

Routes and activities

The Cañada Real Soriano Occidental ends in Valverde De Leganés. The PR-BA 160 La Cocosa can start here and is suitable for hiking and cycling. The two routes can be distinguished as follows: one ends here, while the other can start here and offers two named activities. As starting points may be updated and route conditions can change, check this information before setting off.

Festivals throughout the year

Las Diablas takes place every year on the weekend around 15 August; the exact dates and programme may change. The festival includes fireworks and signal rockets, as well as a final battle in which angels defeat the devil. During the festival, theatre, films, concerts, exhibitions and night-time routes in the town’s surroundings are offered. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the dates and programme for the relevant year before travelling.

Vive la Trashumancia includes a transhumance route that begins with a traditional shepherd’s breakfast of Extremaduran migas. The breakfast and route follow a set order: breakfast comes first. As the annual programme may change, check the latest information for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Bienvenida, Puebla De Sancho Pérez, Olivenza, Villanueva del Fresno, Guadiana del Caudillo, Mirandilla, Feria, Alburquerque

For the broader travel overview: Badajoz.