Free walking tours in Almendralejo and what to see

Must-sees

Almendralejo is the capital of Tierra de Barros, in the centre of Badajoz province, and bills itself as the city of wine and cava. Its main monument is the 16th-century church of Nuestra Señora de la Purificación, with a tower mixing Gothic and Herrerian styles. Nearby are the 18th-century Monsalud palace, with its decorated doorway, and the Baroque palace of the Marqués de la Encomienda. The neo-Mudéjar bullring and the Plaza del Mercado complete the walk.

To understand the town, the Museum of Wine Sciences, in an old distillery, traces the area's winemaking history. Local wines carry the Ribera del Guadiana appellation, and the area also produces cava. Almendralejo is the birthplace of the Romantic poets José de Espronceda and Carolina Coronado, who gives her name to its modernista theatre. Outside the centre, the Huerta Montero megalithic tomb is an interesting visit.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Almendralejo. The clearest activity is a winery visit, with a tour of the winemaking and a tasting of Ribera del Guadiana wines or cavas. For the heritage, ask at the tourist office or combine the town with excursions from Mérida, which is very close.

How long to spend

One day is enough to see the main sights: in the morning, La Purificación, the palaces and the wine museum, and in the afternoon a winery. If you want to take it slower, add a night and visit Mérida and its Roman ensemble the next day, about twenty minutes' drive away. In August, the Feria de la Piedad livens things up considerably.

Where to stay

The most practical option is to stay in the centre, between the church of La Purificación and the Parque de la Piedad, where there are hotels and apartments and everything is on foot. If you're driving and want somewhere quieter, there are places to stay among the vineyards nearby. Mérida has much more on offer and is a good alternative if you're combining the two visits.