Free walking tours in Alange and what to see

Must-sees

Alange is a village in Badajoz province, less than twenty kilometres from Mérida, known above all for its waters. Its Roman baths, called Aquae in Roman times, were already in use in the 3rd century and still work today as part of the spa. Two vaulted halls survive, and in the courtyard you can still see a Roman altar dedicated to Juno in thanks for a cure. Few facilities of this kind are still used in a way so close to the original.

Above the village, on Culebra hill, are the remains of Alange castle, a fortress of Moorish origin whose tower can be seen from afar. The climb is demanding, but the views over the plain and the reservoir make up for it. In the village, the church of Nuestra Señora de los Milagros stands out. The Alange reservoir, next to the village, has an inland beach that is very busy in summer for swimming and walking.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Alange. The most special visit is the Roman baths, which you see inside the spa, so ask there about access. The village and the climb to the castle are easy to do on your own. If you are staying in Mérida, where there are plenty of guided visits, Alange is an easy half-day trip to complete your tour of Roman Augusta Emerita.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough to see the baths, stroll around the village and climb to the castle. If you want a thermal bath or an afternoon at the reservoir beach, allow a whole day. Many visitors combine Alange with Mérida, so with two or three days in the area you can see the Roman theatre and the other monuments of Mérida and spend a relaxed day in Alange.

Where to stay

The most practical option is to stay in the village itself, near the spa, where accommodation and restaurants are concentrated, or in a rural house in the old centre. In summer, the reservoir area is lively. Choice is limited, so if you cannot find a room, Mérida is fifteen minutes away by car and has many more options as a base.