Regional information for Extremadura

Extremadura is an autonomous community of western Spain. It includes the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz which are, respectively, the largest and second-largest provinces of Spain. Extremadura borders Portugal to the west, and it is an important area for wildlife, particularly with the nature reserve at Monfragüe, or the project of International Tagus River National Park (Parque Natural Rio Tajo internacional).

Some important cities are Cáceres, Badajoz, Plasencia and Mérida, the capital of the autonomous community and one of the most important cities in the whole of the Roman Empire.

Roman Theatre

The mountain ranges Cordillera Central, Montes de Toledo and Sierra Morena, along with the plains and fertile valleys of the rivers Tajo and Guadiana characterize Extremadura’s landscapes and the plain lands of Low Extremadura. Its climate is continental, with summer temperatures well over 30ºC, and quite cold winters.

This region has yet not been discovered by mass tourism, but it has plenty of offers if you are looking for something off the beaten track: its original popular customs and traditions, typical dresses, great artistic works of ceramics, metal works (especially those of Guadalupe) and embroideries and an outstanding gastronomy particularly trout, game, sausages, cheeses and the excellent wines.

Music of Extremadura

The folk music of this area is recognized by its distinctive, melancholy sound, as well as the predominance of the zambomba drum. There is also a rich repertoire of gaita (local name for tabor pipe) music. Jota is also common, played with triangles, castanets, guitars, tambourines, accordions and zambombas.

Extremadura has, for a long time, been one of the poorest regions in the country. As a result, many of its native people left to go to Latin America during the colonial era, and subsiquently leaving their mark on Latin music.

Traditional Extremaduran dances include:

El baile de la pata
El perantón
El pindongo
El son brincao
El son llano
La Zajarrona

Major Attractions in Extremadura

Merida

Merida preserves some of the most outstanding Roman monuments, including a colossal theatre, an amphitheatre, two aquaducts and a bridge, not to mention the Museum of Roman Art.

Caceres

The capital of Upper Extremadura has a beautiful old quarter, enclosed by Moorish town walls with great watchtowers. Additional attractions include some exceptional Renaissance palaces.

Trujillo

The birthplace of famous conqueror Pizarro is well known for its beautiful main square. There are also a great medieval castle and the well-preserved town-walls with seven doors.

Guadalupe

This beautiful town is dominated by a colossal Mudejar style monastery, which preserves valuable works of art.

Plasencia

A beautiful town with a Gothic-Plateresque cathedral, medieval town-walls and several palaces.

Badajoz

The capital of Lower Extremadura is worth a visit if only to see its Moorish Alcazaba, town-walls and watchtowers.

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