The best MTB trails around Ajuda, Salvador E Santo Ildefonso

If you pass through Badajoz, you shouldn't miss visiting at least its Puerta de Palmas, its Alcazaba, and its cathedral.

The Guadiana Dam in Badajoz is a small regulating dam that keeps the level of the Guadiana River practically constant as it passes through the city. This dam has created a special ecosystem, becoming an ideal habitat for various species of birds and other animals.

The Palmas Bridge is the oldest bridge in Badajoz, situated over the Guadiana River. It was built in 1596 during the reign of Philip II, although it was built on a previous bridge dating from 1460. This Herrerian-style bridge is 585 metres long and has 32 arches. Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone several repairs due to flooding of the river. At one end of the bridge is the Puerta de Palmas, one of the main entrances to the city in times past, and at the other end, a hornwork built in the 17th century to protect the bridgehead.

be careful with the river

Built on another previous one dated in 1460, and destroyed by a strong flood of the river in 1545, the current bridge was completed in 1596, being the King of Spain Felipe II, and Governor of Badajoz D. Diego Hurtado de Mendoza. Until the one built in the 15th century, the city lacked a bridge, making the crossing of the river by boat, or taking advantage of the fords in practicable time. The one erected at the end of the 16th century is basically the same one that has survived to this day, being a work of Herrerian character, solidly made of stone.

Located in the highest part of Badajoz, it was originally built in the year 875 by the hand of Abd-al-Ramman Ibn Marwan "El Yilliqui" and being modified and completed by the different governments that succeeded in the city. Its current configuration is basically the product of the largest reform carried out and that it underwent in the 12th century at the hands of the Almohads, although its greatest period of splendor was in the 11th century during the Aftasid Dynasty.

Beautiful pictures that we are going to find rolling next to the Gévora river along dirt roads under the shade of the trees.

Rolling along the beautiful paths typical of Extremadura, we come across Rincón de Gila, located about 20 kilometers from the city of Badajoz. This farm supposedly hides a Roman villa to be discovered (ruins and Roman remains of considerable importance).