The House of the Amphitheater is more than just an archaeological site; it is a monument that offers a complete and diverse view of life in Roman Mérida. Its proximity to other historical sites such as the Roman Theater and the Amphitheater makes the visit even more enriching. It should be noted, however, that the name “House of the Amphitheater” simply refers to the location of the excavation, as it had no connection to the Amphitheater. Continue reading “The House of the Amphitheater in Mérida, Spain”
Category: Country
The Palace of the “Golfines de Abajo”, Cáceres, Spain
One of the places we had the opportunity to visit in Cáceres was the Palace of the “Golfines the Lessors”, one of the city’s most emblematic buildings. It was built between 1510 and 1511 on top of an earlier house belonging to the Golfín lineage, a noble family that stood out during the Reconquista and kept this residence as their private home for more than 500 years. From the Church of San Francisco, crossing through Plaza de San Jorge, one can see one side of this extraordinary structure. Continue reading “The Palace of the “Golfines de Abajo”, Cáceres, Spain”
The Alcazaba of Badajoz
Muslim history left a significant mark on Spain, especially in Andalusia, but also in other regions like Extremadura. A clear example is Badajoz, where its wall, or “alcazaba,” witnessed the city’s beginnings, founded in the 9th century. At that time, Badajoz was one of the most important cities during its Muslim period. In 1931, the Alcazaba was declared a Historical-Artistic Monument, and recent restoration work has uncovered new towers and details that make it even more valuable. Continue reading “The Alcazaba of Badajoz”
Church of San Francisco Javier, Cáceres, Spain
On the Saint George Plaza in Cáceres rises the façade of the Church of San Francisco Javier, standing in a wide-open space and distinguished by its two striking white towers, which contrast sharply with the surrounding medieval architecture. From almost any point in the square, one can admire the imposing towers of this magnificent church, also known as the Church of the Precious Blood. The notable slope of the square enhances the sense of monumentality of the entire ensemble. Moreover, the building, which also includes a convent later converted into a school, forms part of the Monumental City of Cáceres, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed as a Cultural Heritage Site (Bien de Interés Cultural) since 2004. Continue reading “Church of San Francisco Javier, Cáceres, Spain”
The National Museum of Roman Art in Mérida, Spain
The National Museum of Roman Art in Mérida allows us to gain insight into the most varied aspects of the daily life of the early inhabitants of Mérida. Inside, we can admire one of the finest collections of Roman sculpture and mosaics on the Iberian Peninsula. Continue reading “The National Museum of Roman Art in Mérida, Spain”
The Gardens of the “Galera” of Badajoz, Spain
The “Jardines (Gardens) de la Galera” in Badajoz, a city in Extremadura, Spain, are located right next to the walls of the Arab Alcazaba, near the “Torre de Espantaperros” and the “Semibaluarte de San Antonio”, which is part of the bastioned wall built in the 17th century. This area serves as a connecting point between the two walled sections of the city. Continue reading “The Gardens of the “Galera” of Badajoz, Spain”
The Town Square of Cáceres, Spain
A town of Extremadura, where it is easy to imagine yourself in medieval times given it houses one of the best-preserved medieval urban complexes in the world—is Cáceres. Thanks to its extraordinarily well-preserved streets, squares, palaces, and walls, we can get a clear sense of its ancient past. Continue reading “The Town Square of Cáceres, Spain”
The Roman Theater of Mérida, Spain
One of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world is the Roman Theater of ancient Emerita Augusta, now Mérida in Extremadura, Spain. It is part of the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and is a symbol of Rome’s cultural and urban influence in Hispania. Visiting it is a must after touring the Roman Amphitheater, as the two monuments are closely connected, making it hard to overlook the Theater. Continue reading “The Roman Theater of Mérida, Spain”
The Bridge of Palms of Badajoz, Spain
Co-Cathedral of Santa María, Cáceres, Spain
Cáceres is a city that invites visitors to discover not only its medieval history but also its traditions. During our stay, we had the opportunity to witness one of the city’s deeply rooted religious traditions: the visit of the Virgin of the Mountain to the Co-Cathedral of Santa María, the most important Christian temple in Cáceres. Continue reading “Co-Cathedral of Santa María, Cáceres, Spain”
