If you are into Roman remains then this is the place. We have visited many sites in Europe and this is the best by far. I would say some aspects rival Rome and you can do it without the hordes of crowds and the burden of a big city. You should have no problem finding street parking near the river for about 3 e for 4 or so hours. Almost everything you want to see is easy walking from that location. All except the aqueduct which is somewhat separate but still inside the town. A lot of the sites are free but if you are going to see more than one of the sites that charge then buy the combo ticket. I would try to eat lunch away from the entrance to the Theatre complex. There are about 10 or so choices there but I would rate them as "tourist traps". Try to eat closer to the bridge.See more..
I’m guessing this museum might have been created, as a result of the findings from an archaeological dig. I think it is meant to be a display of whatever ancient Roman relics were found in this specific area. I, unfortunately, left feeling it was incomplete. However, My personal favorite exhibits were the craft implements and the oil lamps. Certain handy little helpful implements we might take for granted today are on display and were probably very important items in Roman times. Also, whenever I think of oil lamps, I think of a good size oil lamp hanging on a wall. These oil lamps, on display, were tiny little handheld “jobbers” the Romans probably had to carry around at night.See more..
4.5Anfiteatro Romano de Merida(1.746 reviews) - A Gold Mine in archeology! Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
This set of Ancient Roman remains is awe-inspiring! With so much of it intact, it’s difficult to believe it wasn’t uncovered until 1910. It was a magnificent job of, not only, finding this site, but also cleaning it up to the current status. While viewing the stage, I could almost try to envision one of Seneca’s tragedies or comedies being acted out. Not being an expert in acting, I think some of today’s techniques, like “an aside” actually come these Ancient Greek and Ancient Roman plays. It was a job well done and very much worth a visit by anyone!See more..
4.5Templo de Diana(1.676 reviews) - Temple dedicated to the memory of Augustus Spent < 1 hour Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
I have a suggestion. If this historic monument is not really a temple to Diana, but rather a temple to Augustus, then let’s call it so? I don’t know exactly how it was done , but I’m always impressed by the details in the decorations/carvings at the top of the columns and the architrave. Based upon readings, I keep wanting to conclude Augustus was much loved by all the Romans. In this case, it was the retired military personnel building this temple in his memory or honor.See more..
I’m impressed with the engineering abilities of the ancient romans and this bridge shows a good example. I can only guess at how I personally might have approached building it in 2 AD. I might have longitudinally blocked one half of the river, while sinking the rock based pylons in the temporarily dry river bed. Then, block the other longitudinal side, while sinking pylons in the other sides dry river bed. Finally, a large team of men would mount the prebuilt rock based arches.See more..
One of the authentic places of Old Spain can still be experienced in Extremadura from whence came the majority of explorers of the New World, America. Trujillo is a small town in the mountains apart from well trodden highways with a huge central square in its center. Francisco Pizarro, conquered of Peru, looms large on his horse.See more..
Tours are given at set times. It was only in Spanish so almost all of the detail was lost on me. Apparently 80% of visitors are Spanish. Pictures could only be taken outside. The guide gave his talk in an area and you were given adequate time to examine the area further. Some of the ceiling work was reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel. I liked in particular the Choir Book Room, used by 16th century choirs. In the Embroidery Museum, some of the vestments were jewel-encrusted. The blend of architectural styles over the centuries is striking, including the Mudejar cloister. The trip naturally ended in the gift shop. The first meeting of Queen Isabella and Christopher Columbus was held in the monastery. The first North American natives to reach European soil were baptized here.See more..
4.5Monfrague National Park(996 reviews) - Peaceful, colourful and fascinating birdlife Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks
We actually visited in May 2010, but that doesn't pop up on the Tripadvisor form. After visting the southern cities in Andulusia, wonderful but crowded with tourists, we headed north in our camper and stopped for 4 days in this wonderful region. The first thing we did was climb the old castle tower and watch the amazing show of dozens of raptors swirling around in the evening air. There were a couple of professional photographers perched on the edge of the wall having a wonderful shoot! But, be careful, no health and safety barriers here! Another day, we took one of the circuit hikes suggested by the park guides and it was so beautiful with all the fields blanketed with spring flowers. Twice, we stopped at cool picnic spots where the streams splashed down into stone fountains. And we only met about 4 people on the whole walk. There are still magical spots to be found!See more..
Save yourself a lot of trouble and just park the car in the Plaza Mayor, walk past the statue of Pizarro and up the steps toward the castle. It's easy. In trying to drive directly to the castle two separate navigation systems had us drive up a narrow road and gave the command to "turn left" onto a paved pedestrian path (see photo) that led to closed gate. Thank goodness we parked the car instead and got walking directions from a kindly senora. The castle is immense and offers great views of the countryside. Trujillo has plenty of good restaurants around the nearby Plaza Mayor and grabbing lunch there after a tour of the castle can make a fine day even better.See more..
4.0Alcazaba(898 reviews) - Fortress with Roman, Visigoth and Moorish development. Historic Sites
There is a limited amount to see with some information provided. You will want to mount the walls to see the Roman bridge. The entrance is just by the bridge, and the fee is included in the very reasonable Combined ticket for the key Roman sites. There was also damage in the Civil War when the Nationalists launched a major attack on the meagre Republican force there.See more..
The internet says Archimedes broached the idea of slope, but the actual formulation didn’t occur until Descartes. Whatever the case, the ancient Roman engineers must have had an idea about the mathematical slope and must have had some kind of tool to help them in assuring an accurate slope in the construction of the aqueduct. (I. e. For every mile of length, the aqueduct would drop horizontally about 1 foot). Making the whole thing even more challenging and impressive was the building of the heights of the sidewalls of the top section (transporting the water) to correctly correspond with the slope. (I. e. Less slope would mean taller sidewalls (to avoid excessive spillage of water) and more slope with faster running water could mean shorter sidewalls of the top carrying water ditch section. In any case, it’s impressive engineering around the archaic time of Jesus.See more..
4.5Barrio Judio de Hervas(746 reviews) - Don't Pass by this Town! Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
We stopped here en route from Madrid to Caceres. This is a phenomenal city and barrio. The tourism office (http://www.turismodehervas.com/) offers a fabulous walking tour you can download to your phone in advance of your trip, and use to guide you throughout the neighborhood. Absolutely beautiful town.See more..
4.0Monasterio de San Jeronimo de Yuste(722 reviews) - Tranquil setting for a lovely historic morning visit. Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Easy to find and worth a visit. Inexpensive to look around (€7 for an adult and €4 for over 65s with ID) we opted for the Tablet guided tour (one between two was sufficient) at an additional €3 with deposit of an ID. No photography in The Monisterio itself only outside spaces. Although restored, it still has a very authentic feel and we learnt a lot about this important abdication and subsequent retreat. Good shop and toilets but no cafe. Definitely worth a visit. Drive onto the impressive Gargantuan del Ollo for great photo opportunities or even a dip in the ice cold river.See more..
4.5Plasencia(705 reviews) - Big little city Points of Interest & Landmarks
Great little city with a lot of history. They have an aqueduct from Roman times. Walk to restaurants, historical sites, shops and attractions. The palace can be seen inside and you can climb to the tower. Very nice people and restaurant staff. Truly enjoyed our stay.See more..
4.0Roman Circus of Mérida(666 reviews) - Very well recovered Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
It just occurred to me, after visiting 2 ancient Roman Circuses, that our present day horse tracks were probably closely modeled after the Roman Circus. The distance around the circuses averaged about 1 mile and the Kentucky Derby is about 1 1/2 miles. This particular circus shows the extensive planning, in first digging a huge trench across the breadth to create a drainage system. Also, this particular circus recovered the ancient starting gate pylons. Supposedly, this one had 12 starting gates each measuring about 10 feet across. I think the starting gates for the Kentucky Derby are much more narrow than this, probably half the width. It’s a nice job of archaeological recovery!See more..
Beautiful entrance to the "old City"". Just under the entryway, on the ground, is the symbol indicating that this was once the Jewish Quarter (see photo). Well preserved archway, buildings, and square. It's nice that it isn't listed with shops..See more..
4.5Garganta de los Infiernos(607 reviews) - An amazing place Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Geologic Formations
Hiked up here in the summer months, it took about 45 minutes to get to the pools (Los Pilones). We went up at about 16h stayed until about 21h and it was just magical. The waters warm and crystal clear and the landscape stunning. Spring time is next, as we want to see the cherry blossom.See more..
In such a small town we didn't expect such a big and beautiful cathedral. Champion league. Lushly decorated organ and altar. RecommendedSee more..
4.5Historic Centre of Trujillo(582 reviews) - Fantastic place Spent 1-2 hours Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
The historic centre of Trujillo is a great place with old palaces, and homes,I recommend to take a free walking tour.See more..
4.0Casa del Mitreo(554 reviews) - A highlight of Merida Ancient Ruins
For us, viewing this large Roman villa from 25 AD was one of the best things we did in Merida. It isn't near most of the other attractions, but it is easily walkable from the center of town. It is very well signed in English. You view frescoes and wonderfully preserved mosaics, reception rooms, garden and patio areas, winter and summer (subterranean) bedrooms, and private cold, warm, and hot baths. This is well-worth going out of the way for, as it gives you an idea of life for the wealthy at that time. I'd recommend going to the adjacent Columbarios, an ancient graveyard. It was interesting how similar their death/burial beliefs were to ours and other cultures.See more..
It is an original 12th century Arab house, belonging to an important family, it preserves the entire structure and is decorated to take the visitor back to the time, it contains numerous objects found in the excavations inside trunks full of weapons, brass objects and archaeological pieces As an added value to this treasure, it is founded on Roman remains, as well as a fountain of lions in the garden, capitals and arches of great architectural beauty, the house was rescued by José De la Torre who by chance doing reforms in the 50s in The family home, discovered the ancient vestiges, and by documenting himself about this culture, he became passionate and dreamed of sharing it with the world, with great effort he restored the house and the Iraqi ambassador inaugurated the museum in 1976; Since then the family of José de la Torre, (Yusuf Al Burch translated into Arabic and name of the museum) continue with the maintenance work to preserve this small historical treasure.See more..
4.5Museo de Caceres(514 reviews) - Fascinating Thursday: 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM History Museums
The museo has it all---an ancient Moorish? cistern, archaeological treasures, an El Greco or two, a Miro, tiny peaceful garden.See more..
4.5La Alcazaba(493 reviews) - Walk the battlements Points of Interest & Landmarks
Free and open to all, you can walk the walls around the entire old fortified city as well as roam freely inside the walls. Lots of history and it is easy to imagine the horrors of trying to attack or defend the city during the various wars. Fabulous views around. Some of the earlier restoration work may not have been done very historically sympathetically, but even so, far far better than allowing it to fall into ruins. Well worth a visit!See more..
Upon entry the cathedral didn't appear amazing however when wondering around it with an audio guide it really had some hidden gems. We thoroughly enjoyed climbing the tower to see the amazing views over the old town. Staff were very friendly and helpful.See more..
4.0Basílica de Santa Eulalia(381 reviews) - Layers of history: Roman, Visigoth, Christian, Muslim Points of Interest & Landmarks
The excavations in the basilica's basement are worth the stop, but if you love the story of the virgin Santa Eulalia, as I do, this is a must-see. After the teenager was tortured and killed by the Roman governor in AD 304 for her faith, snow fell from the heavens to cover her naked body. Her remains were buried here and then moved north during times of Islamic rule. Super cool displays in the museum recreate the Roman village and church. When you are in the crypt, you can look up through open areas in the ceiling above to see the altar as Mass is going on. Shhhhhh! It was so awesomeSee more..
4.0Plaza Alta(326 reviews) - Visit the historic centre of Badajoz. Points of Interest & Landmarks
Plaza Alta de Badajoz. This location does exist already from the 17th century. On this location they also keep the market. In the 15th century almost all the houses on this “Plaza” were from Judes and Mores. Very nice location to spend some time, and from here you are walking still down street, and once you have passed the “Arch”, you will see the entrance to the “Alcazaba” of Badajoz.See more..
4.5Granadilla(316 reviews) - Amazing place Points of Interest & Landmarks
The village was founded around the nineth century by Arabs. The population was evicted from the village in XX century because the territory was threatened by a constant risk of flooding due to the construction of a reservoir of water near by. There have been carrying some restorations in this little beautiful village in an Island. Check open time in the web site. It is open from 10 to 13.30 in weekendsSee more..
4.0Torre de Bujaco(289 reviews) - great view Thursday: 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Historic Sites
very interesting displays and the walk on the walls gives you a good, although not expansive, perspective.See more..
4.0Arco de Trajano(285 reviews) - Go out of your way to try then! Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
We chose 4 tapas dishes. More than enough, really high quality and great service. Young energetic staff who were attentive but not smothering, courteous and smiley. And the service was speedy. Highly recommend a lunchtime (well, 2.00pm) visit.See more..
Another interesting location on your walk can be the “Church of Santa María la Mayor” which is a Catholic religious temple who is also part of the historical centre. The church is built into the late Romanesque style, the construction of it started into the 13th century, after woods she was rebuilt and expanded in the 15th and 16th centuries but then into the Gothic style. Following the peoples believe and the history the church has been built on the same place where previously stood a Muslim mosque that was used until the thirteenth century. Anyhow once again a nice location into the historical centre.See more..
The Palace of the Golfines de Abajo in Caceres houses an interesting display of artistic patrimony from the Foundation Tatiana Pérez de Guzmán el Bueno. This house museum offers the possibility to know the evolution of nobility through the lineage of the Golfin family, who lived in this land since the 15th century. It is an ambiance museum, which recreates a house of the Caceres nobility and, by walking through, the visitor can learn more about diverse aspects of the daily life of its owners: their taste, fashion, beliefs and hobbies through the rich artistic assets and family documents collected across centuries, with works from the 14th to the 20th century.See more..
4.0Puerta de Palmas(208 reviews) - This time we were able to enter the tower Points of Interest & Landmarks
I don't know how one finds out the schedule, but we were able to go inside on a Sunday afternoon. It is quite interesting and it tells you the history of the gate which made it more interesting than just seeing it from the outside.See more..
4.5Plaza Grande(189 reviews) - Fun and pretty. Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
I think this place is lovely but do not miss its baby sister, Plaza Chica - just behind it, through a gap in the top right corner.See more..
4.5Libreria La Puerta de Tannhauser(176 reviews) - Amazing place Thursday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
I visited the place yesterday late afternoon. The bookstore is cosy and friendly thanks both to the books on display and the music. I spent there about 90 minutes as I was amazed and highly surprised by the variety of books at disposal. If possible, go without any hurry. Staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Looking forward to going back.See more..
4.5Casco Historico de Merida(175 reviews) - One of the most historical cities for Roman structures in Spain Neighborhoods
Merida must have one of the most original and restored Roman group of buildings in Spain I would think. See more..
To visit this (Small) but lovely maintained museum, please do not follow your Gps, it is better to follow the signs or to ask on a local, tis because the Gps will try to take you through even smaller villages, we use “Tom Tom” and we did not get there without asking a local. Well worth a visit, but check the opening times first. Long break for a nap at lunchtime, as it is usual in Spain. Here you will see a very strange mix of cars, motorcycles, carriages but anyhow it is well worth an hour or two of your time. It has a strange mixture, but it is good and it is not expensive. The exhibits are in several states of repair but it is a nice place to walk around. The ride until the location can look a bit scary for some people, but as long as you do not stop on the steep hill it is OK.See more..
4.5Plaza Mayor de Caceres(140 reviews) - Historians delight Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
A true historians delight. Such large areas of the city have been kept at their best medieval style. So many buildings, towers, churches and narrow streets, little plaza's, all with interesting and unique facts about themSee more..
We were surprised to find this little gem in a tiny town. This is a must to see before you leave, the only downside is the language barrier on exhibits but then we are in another country.See more..
4.0Ciudad romana de Cáparra(129 reviews) - Roman history comes to life Thursday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
The main attraction is the tower in the middle of the city. The excavations are still being done and, with a little imagination, you can almost get a feel for what life was like in this place 2000 years ago. It is free to visit and there are not many tourists, even in summer. Definitely worth a couple of hours of your time.See more..
4.5Archaeological Museum of Badajoz(118 reviews) - Spectacular exhibits Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums
Archaeological museum that presents the history of the province of Badajoz from the Lower Paleolithic to the XVIth cent.See more..
4.5Teatro romano Medellin(113 reviews) - Well worth the visit Points of Interest & Landmarks
Really interesting visit, best done in the morning when they open around 10:30 so as to miss the midday heat as it’s quite a climb. The young ladies in the castle and the church were brilliant giving us the low down in English. Also there is a video giving an overview also in English. Entrance fee’s less than a cup of Uk coffee! Views are spectacular and if you enjoy historic monuments it’s a morning well spent.See more..
This is a wonder of rural Extremadura. This is the kind of thing you expect to see in Rome or Florence, but not in the middle of the dusty mountains of Extremadura. This chapel built in the late 1300s is a masterpiece done by several anonymous artists over the years, mostly from the 1400s to the 1600s with the entry way painted in the 1800s. Paintings not retouched, just cleaned to remove candle smoke. Likely built over the remains of a Roman Temple, though no excavations have been done, it is so worth driving out of the way to see. I almost hate to comment on it because I don't want more tourists to ruin its appeal. Yet, it seems a shame not to mention it for those who have a chance to see it.See more..
I shall highly recommend a visit to "Mina La Jayona" in Fuente Del Arco. Juan, the Guide on site will show you around in- and outside the mine on a 1½ walk in a beautiful nature in the Mountains. Juan is very informative (speaks english very well) and I found the trip out there, only 30 minutes’ drive from Llerena worthwhile. There is no entrance fee and Juan refused to receive anything for his service. Have a look at the Roman Theatre (no entrance fee either) excavated by the roadside to the left, few kilometres before you reach Fuente Del Arco coming from Llerena. The Theatre is now in use again as a Theatre. Only few minutes’ drive from Fuente Del Arco going inland, you will find signs at the roadside showing you the way to the Mine. Except, but at the Entrance to the Mine site. No signs or flags of any significance to stop you coming along the little winding country road. So, watch out to your right, 4 - 5 kilometres from Fuente Del Arco or you will end up in the sticks. Now, before you go, check with the Tourist office in Llerena or call Juan by phone at the site Re: Opening hours. (There is no “Booking” in the normal sense but just tell if you are going. We were only 6 persons on our tour) End July 2014 visiting hours were 10.00 and 12.00 am, but sometimes Juan cancels the 12.00 am excursion. WARNING: Be there on time or best before. At 10.00 am (or 12.00 am) Juan shuts the gate and leaves on foot with the guests for the approx. 1½ hours excursion. But again, it´s highly recommended. A tip: Don’t miss the fresh water tap in front of the visitor centre. The Water is coming straight from the mountain above.See more..
Only 2 euros to enter. Allows amazing views over the surrounding countryside and the Roman theatre below. Possible to climb the towers and walk around the walls.See more..
Excelente catarata en pleno corazón del valle del jerte,se puede ir en coche hasta el mismo chorro o si quieres darte un paseo desde valdastillas son unos 9km,muy recomendable!See more..
4.5Monasterio de Tentudia(89 reviews) - Breath taking views Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
1100 metres high up the mountains This monastery is well worth a visit. When we landed 5 birds of prey were flying above our heads circling round and round. This monastery was built after the Spanish prayed to end the day, the sun came up and the Spanish evicted the moors. 360 degrees views just stunning. Original lamps from end of 14th century, original tiles Santiago on a horse! See more..
4.5Iglesia Santa Maria Magdalena(78 reviews) - Beautiful church in Portuguese architecture in Spain Thursday: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals
If you're in Olivenza you will more than likely go and see this church as it's one of only a few things to see in this town.See more..
4.5Castillo de Alburquerque(74 reviews) - Must See Sight Thursday: 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
I am pleased that I had stopped by here. It was well worth the 50 minute drive from Merida. This was my third Moorish castle (outside the touristy Alcazares) and I liked this castle better overall than the one at La Iruela in Jaen. The deal breaker was the free tour. Lola, our tour guide, did a great job of explaining the very interesting history of it. She also kept the tourists entertained and informed. She knew very in-depth information about the castle while being funny explaining it. She is also trilingual in Spanish, French, and English. I think Alburquerque is a must-see especially if you're American. How cool it was to visit the original Alburquerque! Anyways thanks again Lola for giving this American information about this hidden gem. I will come back and show Alburquerque to my family from New Mexico next time. See more..