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.
The gardens are named after one of the buildings within the Alcazaba complex: “La Galera,” which was built in the 16th century. Over time, this building has served many purposes: it has been a school, a women’s prison, a hospice, a town hall, and a grain warehouse.
The gardens were created in 1938, when the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Badajoz moved into the La Galera building. Some remnants of the original 10th-century Arab gardens can still be seen. The design of the new gardens was carried out by Francisco Vaca Morales, with the help of archaeologist Jesús Cánovas Pesini. In 2007, the gardens were restored and officially opened to the public.
The space covers nearly 4,000 square meters and is one of the city’s most valuable and important areas. The gardens feature an incredible variety of plants, with around 90 different species of flowers and aromatic plants, as well as offering stunning panoramic views of Badajoz.
Walking through the “Jardines de la Galera” is a full sensory experience, especially due to the colors and aromatic plants, such as jasmine, which fills the air with its fragrance. Subtropical plants can also be seen, including the “love tree” with white flowers, as well as laurels, strawberry trees, pomegranates, lemon and orange trees.
The gardens offer not only a connection with nature but also a journey through time to explore Badajoz’s history. Among the preserved Visigothic remains, the capitals and columns that supported the walls and other ancient buildings stand out. Visitors can also see remnants of what was the “Torre Vieja”, part of a medieval tower, and the “Puerta del Antiguo Seminario de San Atón”, which was relocated from its original location in the “San Atón” Square when the building was demolished. Its marble doors now decorate the entrance to the “La Galera” building.
The “Jardines de la Galera” offer a journey through the senses—a stroll that nature lovers should not miss when visiting the beautiful city of Badajoz.
