Free walking tours in Villanueva de la Serena and what to see

Must-sees

Villanueva de la Serena is a town in the Vegas Altas of the Guadiana, in eastern Badajoz province, known as the birthplace of Pedro de Valdivia, the conquistador who founded Santiago de Chile. The centre of life is the Plaza de España, home to the late 16th-century town hall, with three large arches on Ionic columns and the Habsburg coat of arms. Close by is the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the town's great church.

In the old Jewish quarter is the Casa de la Tercia, linked to the history of the Order of Alcántara. The convent of San Benito, from the late 15th century and rebuilt several times, the hermitage of the Santo Sepulcro and La Jabonera, a former soap factory turned cultural space, are also worth visiting. Next door is Don Benito, almost joined to Villanueva, with its ethnographic museum.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Villanueva de la Serena. The practical approach is to explore the centre on your own and stop at the tourist office to ask about guided visits on your dates. The town is also a good base for independent trips to Medellín, with its castle and Roman theatre, to Magacela or to Mérida, just under an hour's drive away.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the Plaza de España, the church and the centre. If you want to add Don Benito and Medellín, allow a full day. With two days you can add Mérida or an outing through La Serena to see its plains and the La Serena reservoir.

Where to stay

The most convenient option is to stay in the centre, near the Plaza de España, with restaurants nearby and everything on foot. On the approach avenues there are more functional hotels with easy parking, useful if you'll be driving around the area. Don Benito, a few minutes away, adds more choice if you can't find a room.