Free walking tours in Fregenal de la Sierra and what to see

Must-sees

Fregenal de la Sierra is in the south-west of Badajoz province, near the border with Huelva, and its old town is a protected heritage site. The big surprise is the castle, built by the Knights Templar in the mid-13th century, with seven towers and a Gothic doorway in the keep. Inside its walls are an 18th-century bullring and the food market, a combination you won't see in many places. Right next to the castle is the church of Santa María.

It's worth strolling unhurriedly among manor houses and small palaces. The church of Santa Catalina stands out for its Mudéjar ceiling, and Santa Ana holds a Renaissance altarpiece. Look out too for the convent of San Francisco, the former Jesuit college and the 16th-century Fontanilla fountain. About six kilometres away is the sanctuary of the Virgen de los Remedios, the town's patron saint.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Fregenal, but there is a guided walk of the historic centre, with the Templar castle as its centrepiece. It's the easiest way to understand how the fortress, the bullring and the market fit within the same enclosure. If you prefer to go on your own, the ensemble is small and easy to explore on foot.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the castle, the churches and a stroll around the centre. If you want a relaxed lunch and a trip up to the Virgen de los Remedios sanctuary, allow the whole day. With two days you can combine it with nearby Jerez de los Caballeros or a village in the Sierra de Aracena, over the border in Huelva.

Where to stay

The most practical option is to stay in the old town or the streets nearby, where there are rural houses and a small hotel or two, and walk to the castle. If you want total peace, there are places to stay on dehesa estates nearby. When the town's accommodation falls short, Jerez de los Caballeros is the closest alternative with more beds.