The Alcazaba

The Alcazaba was built by the founder of the city, Ibn Marwan, very shortly after the foundation of the city. The exact year is unknown but documents from that era indicate that the first restoration took place in 913, placing construction somewhere between 875 and 913. A century later in 1030 it was restored once again, and again in 1169, when the building as we know it nowadays was constructed. The final restoration took place in the 13th century, only a couple of years before the reconquest by King Alfonso IX. The Alcazaba is situated on top of a hill at 60 metres above sea level and measures 400 by 200 metres. It is completely walled and reinforced with towers that served for the defence of the Alcazaba and the city. The majority of these towers are directed towards the south and west, those being the most likely routes of attack.

The Torre del Espantaperros

In the southwest of the Alcanzaba we find the Torre de la Atalaya, better know as “Espantaperros”. It an octagonal tower from the almohade era and it measures 30 metres. The structure reminds of the Torre de Oro in Seville. It counts as one of the most characteristic monuments of Badajoz. 

The Giralda

Built in the 1930s, the Giralda is an edifice that was designed by Rodolfo Martínez and Abel Pinna. In the construction they copied the Giralda of Seville on a smaller scale. Nowadays it houses an office for Telefónica, but it still is worth a visit. The people from Badajoz call it La Giraldilla.

The Puerta de Palmas

The Puerta de Palmas consists of two round towers from the 16th century that are connected by a double arch. It was part of the medieval network of walls that surrounded the city, but now it stands alone, across the street from the Puente de Palmas. The inner arch shows the coat of arms of Carlos V, but the gate contains a lot of inscriptions, family weapons and statues of Spanish kings. An interesting fact is that the gate was used as a state prison during the 19th century.

What are you looking for in Badajoz?

• Monuments of Badajoz
• Restaurants of Badajoz
• Hotels in Badajoz
• Casas Rurales in Badajoz