Alcazaba

Top choice in Badajoz


Badajoz' majestic 12th-century, 8-hectare Alcazaba, the largest in Spain, lords over the city above the Plaza Alta. Guarding all is the Torre de Espantaperros (Scare-Dogs Tower), symbol of Badajoz, constructed by the Moors and topped by a 16th-century Mudéjar bell tower wrapped around an older original.

Enter through the 12th-century Puerta del Capitel and wander around the sprawling restored ramparts.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Badajoz attractions

1. Museo Arqueológico Provincial

0.07 MILES

Within the Alcazaba grounds, a restored Renaissance palace houses the Museo Arqueológico Provincial, crammed with Extremaduran artefacts from prehistoric…

2. Plaza Alta

0.14 MILES

At the top of the old town, beneath the walls of the Alcazaba, is the unusual Plaza Alta, dating to 1681, framed on its east side by the strikingly bold,…

3. Torre de Espantaperros

0.14 MILES

Guarding Badajoz' grand Alcazaba is the Torre de Espantaperros (Scare-Dogs Tower), symbol of the city, constructed by the Moors and topped by a 16th…

4. Jardines de La Galera

0.17 MILES

Adorned with palms, lavender and orange trees, these gorgeous compact gardens clinging to the southeast end of the Alcazaba are perfect for a stroll while…

5. Museo de Bellas Artes

0.26 MILES

This excellent fine-arts gallery displays works by Zurbarán, Morales, Goya, Picasso and Dalí, plus particularly striking pieces by Badajoz-born artists…

7. Forte de Santa Luzia

10.25 MILES

Dating from the 1640s, this miniature, zigzag-walled fort lies just 1.4km south of the main praça (town square). Today it houses a military museum with…

8. Igreja de São Domingos

10.31 MILES

This church was once part of a 13th-century Dominican monastery, though much of its construction dates from the 18th century. It opens only on rare…