Badajoz, Spain

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Badajoz, Spain

Region: Extremadura

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Geographic Coordinates: 38.880300, -6.975300

Climate: Dry and hot summers, mild winters with occasional rainfall.

Population: 150610

Language: Spanish

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Badajoz is a captivating city situated in the western part of Spain, Close to the Portuguese border. The city is renowned for its fascinating history, Breathtaking architecture, And vibrant culture. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has been ruled by different civilizations such as the Romans, Moors, And Christians. One of Badajoz’s most remarkable landmarks is the Alcazaba Fortress. This impressive structure was constructed during Moorish rule and features a series of towers and walls that enclose an inner courtyard. Visitors can explore this fortress to get a glimpse of what life was like during medieval times.

Another attraction worth visiting in Badajoz is the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. This stunning cathedral dates back to the 13th century and boasts an exquisite blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Visitors can admire its intricate carvings, Stained glass windows, And magnificent altar. For art history enthusiasts, Badajoz has several museums that are worth checking out such as Museo Extremeño e Iberoamericano de Arte Contemporáneo (MEIAC), Which showcases contemporary art from Spain and Latin America or Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes which displays works from Spanish artists ranging from Gothic to Baroque periods.

Badajoz also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities with its numerous parks like Parque de Castelar or Parque del Guadiana where visitors can enjoy picnics or bike rides along scenic trails. For those seeking adventure there are also opportunities for hiking or kayaking on nearby rivers like Guadiana River. Food lovers will appreciate Badajoz’s culinary scene which includes traditional dishes like migas (fried breadcrumbs), Gazpacho (cold soup), Cocido extremeño (bean stew), Paprika spiced sausages called chorizo ibérico or jamón ibérico – cured ham made from acorn-fed pigs raised in Extremadura region.

Badajoz is famous for its lively festivals and events such as Carnaval de Badajoz which takes place in February and features parades, Costumes, Music, And dancing. Another popular event is the Feria de San Juan which celebrates the city’s patron saint with fireworks displays, Bullfights, And traditional food stalls. Badajoz has something for everyone whether you are interested in history, Art or outdoor activities. Its stunning architecture combined with a rich cultural heritage makes it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Spain.

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1. Alcazaba of Badajoz
2. Plaza Alta
3. Cathedral of San Juan Bautista
4. Puerta de Palmas
5. La Giralda de Badajoz
6. Museum of Fine Arts of Badajoz
7. Convent and Church of Santa Ana
8. Espantaperros Tower
9. Luis de Morales House-Museum
10. Royal Monastery of Santa Ana

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• The major industries and businesses in Badajoz, Spain include:
1. Agriculture
• Focus on olive oil, wine, and cork production
2. Manufacturing
• Textiles
• Ceramics
• Machinery
3. Tourism
• Historical sites
• Natural attractions such as the Sierra de Gata mountains
4. Energy
• Renewable energy projects like wind farms
5. Logistics
• Transporting goods to Portugal and other parts of Spain
6. Education
• Supported by the University of Extremadura located in Badajoz

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Noteable History

1. The Battle of Badajoz was a significant battle fought between the British and French armies during the Peninsular War in 1812.
2. The Alcazaba of Badajoz is a Moorish fortress that has been designated as a National Monument and dates back to the 9th century.
3. Hernando de Soto, a Spanish explorer known for his expeditions to North America, was born in Badajoz in the early 16th century.
4. Francisco de Zurbarán, a famous Spanish painter known for his religious paintings, was born near Badajoz in Fuente de Cantos in 1598.
5. Manuel Rojas, an important literary figure from Chile, was born in Badajoz in 1896.
6. The Convento de Santa Ana is notable for its Baroque architecture and dates back to the 16th century.
7. During the Siege of Badajoz (1811), British forces captured the city from French control during the Peninsular War.
8. Luis Chamizo Trigueros was a poet who wrote about rural life around Extremadura; he lived from 1894-1945.
9. La Giralda is a tower built by Muslims that served as a minaret before being converted into a bell tower after Christian conquests; it is located in Badajoz.
10. Benito Arias Montano was a Biblical scholar who worked on an edition of Polyglot Bible (Biblia Políglota Complutense); he lived from1527-1598.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Alcazaba of Badajoz
2. Museum of Fine Arts of Badajoz
3. Casa-Museo Luis de Morales
4. Palacio de los Duques de Feria
5. Roman Theater of Mérida (located near Badajoz)
6. Plaza Alta and Plaza de España
7. Church of San Juan Bautista
8. Cathedral of San Juan Bautista
9. Puerta Palma
10. La Giralda Tower

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Sports Teams

1. CD Badajoz: Founded in 1905, this football club has participated in multiple seasons of the Spanish Second Division and the Copa del Rey.
2. CB Extremadura Plasencia: Established in 1987, this basketball club has played several seasons in the Spanish second division and currently competes in the Liga EBA.
3. CP Miralvalle Plasencia: This women’s basketball club was founded in 1979 and has won numerous regional championships while currently playing in the Liga Femenina 2.
4. AD Cáceres Basket: Based out of nearby Caceres but with a significant fanbase from Badajoz, this basketball team was founded in 2013 and competes at the LEB Oro level (the second division of Spanish basketball).
5. RC Polo de Badajoz: For over half a century, this field hockey team has competed both nationally and internationally as part of the Real Club Polo de Badajoz.
6. CD San Roque de Lepe: Although not directly based out of Badajoz itself, this football team located across the border with Andalusia (in Lepe) still boasts many fans from both sides due to its proximity to both cities.

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Cultural Events

1. Carnaval de Badajoz is a lively and colorful carnival celebrated in February or March with parades, music, dancing, and costumes.
2. Feria de San Juan is a traditional fair held in June to honor Saint John the Baptist with bullfights, concerts, dance performances, and other cultural activities.
3. Semana Santa features religious processions, music performances, and traditional food during Holy Week celebrations.
4. Festival Ibérico de Música showcases a variety of musical genres from around the world at an international music festival held every summer.
5. Fiestas de la Vendimia is a wine harvest festival celebrated in September with wine tastings, grape stomping competitions, and other wine-related activities.
6. Festival Internacional de Cine Inédito de Mérida y Badajoz (FICIMEB) takes place annually in November showcasing films from around the world that have not been released commercially yet at an independent film festival.
7. Feria del Libro de Badajoz is an annual book fair held in May where publishers and authors come together to showcase their latest publications.
8. Encuentros con el Flamenco features live performances by renowned artists as well as workshops for beginners who want to learn more about this art form at a flamenco festival.

Note: Some of these events may be subject to change due to COVID-19 restrictions or cancellations; it is advised to check for updates before planning your visit.

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Cuisine

• Tortilla de Patatas: a classic Spanish omelette made with potatoes and onions. It can be found in many local bars and cafes.
• Migas: a traditional dish made with bread crumbs, garlic, olive oil, and other ingredients such as chorizo or bacon.
• Gazpacho: a cold soup made with tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, garlic, olive oil, and bread crumbs.
• La Taberna del Zurdo: a popular restaurant that serves traditional Spanish dishes such as Iberian pork and grilled octopus.
• El Faro de Badajoz: another well-known restaurant that specializes in seafood dishes like grilled shrimp and paella.
• La Casona del Arco: a cozy restaurant located in the historic center of Badajoz that offers regional cuisine like lamb stew or roasted suckling pig.
• Casa Paco de la Albuera: famous for its homemade desserts like flan or rice pudding but also serves delicious tapas like patatas bravas or croquettes.
• El Puchero de Marieta: this family-run restaurant has been serving traditional Extremaduran cuisine for over 30 years including dishes like migas or cocido extremeño (a hearty stew).

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Parks and Recreation

1. Parque de Castelar
2. Parque de la Legión
3. Parque del Guadiana
4. Jardines de la Galera
5. Piscina Municipal La Granadilla
6. Complejo Deportivo La Granadilla
7. Skatepark Francisco Javier Gómez Noya
8. Club Deportivo Badajoz (football club)
9. Centro Ecuestre El Cortijo
10. Campo de Golf Guadiana

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Go Where The Road Takes You.

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