TO SEE

Almonaster La Real is located 100 km from Huelva and 40 km from Portugal. Its origins date back to the Bronze Age, and it also has Roman remains. The Historic Complex of Almonaster La Real has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, and we also highlight the Hermitage of Santa Eulalia and the Church of San Martín.

Its Islamic urban nucleus from the time of Al-Andalus was of great relevance: it is a time in which the economy, culture, commerce, construction and religion shone. Proof of this is the great vestige of the Al-Munastir mosque (10th century). To remember the great importance of that time, in Almonaster La Real every year during the month of October the Days of Islamic Culture are celebrated.

Other monuments: Roman bridge, Mudejar Gothic Church of San Martín, Castle, ruins of the hermitage of San Sebastián and other hermitages, reservoirs in the area, etc. We also highlight the many hiking trails that pass through Almonaster La Real. Of its gastronomy, the products from the Iberian pig are relevant, as well as stews, salads, soups and dishes with mushrooms.

This Natural Park contains a large forest mass in a mild and rainy climate, so that its peculiar natural environment arouses the curiosity of those who approach it. Its meadows favor the breeding of the Iberian pig, important in towns such as Cumbres Mayores or Jabugo.

In the Aracena Ham Museum you can learn more about the subject. Thanks to these forests, a very varied fauna of mammals and birds abounds: genets, otters, vultures, black storks... Which you can see on its many hiking trails or on horseback.

Its great historical and cultural heritage is a must if you are in the area: the Roman Theatre, the Amphitheater, the Los Milagros Aqueduct, the Roman Circus, the Temple of Diana, the Arab Alcazaba, the Roman Bridge, the Trajan Arch , the Casa del Mitreo, the National Museum of Roman Art, the Morería Archaeological Ensemble, several Baths, the Proserpina and Cornalvo reservoirs, the Jesús de Nazareno Hospital (Parador), several churches and convents, the Mérida Open Museum (MAM , Praemerita and Geoemerita collections).

Zafra offers an interesting set of historical and cultural heritage linked to its gastronomy. Although its neighboring municipalities already had their time of splendor in Roman times, Zafra began to shine in medieval times, border between the kingdoms of Seville and Badajoz.

What to see in Zafra? Palace of the Dukes of Feria, fortress of the s. XV and current Parador; the numerous patios and convents that you will discover walking through Zafra; Plaza Chica, the perfect place to have a snack or eat; among other places.

As in Almonaster La Real and Zafra, in Jerez de los Caballeros you will find an interesting combination of architectural heritage and local gastronomy, with Iberian ham as the star product. Jerez de los Caballeros is located in Badajoz, very close to Portugal, and surrounded by meadows where the Iberian pig is raised.

As for its history, the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and Knights Templar have passed through Jerez de los Caballeros. The latter reconquered the city and settled in it, converting the Old Muslim Alcazaba into the current Templar Fortress, which can be visited.