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The soil of Tierra de Barros is full of vineyards
Large vineyards and olive trees extensions contrast with beautiful cork oaks and holm oaks mountanious areas where it is quite common to practice paragliding and mountaneering.
Taking A-66 dual carriage or the old N-630 road towards South the first town which belongs to Tierra de Barros areas is Torremejía. The famous writer Camilo José Cela set the context of La Familia de Pascual Duarte here. This small town is on the Silver Way for that reason those pilgrimages who stopover here will lodge in Palacio de los Mexía, a rich stately home which has been restored and turned into Silver Way pilgrims hostel.
We reach Almendralejo, the capital city, it is also known as 'The warmth City' due to its inhabitants' warmth who welcome everyone who goes there. Its economic prosperity is based on its excellent wines.
Iglesia de la Purificación - Almendralejo
The headquarters of Guarantee of Origin Ribera del Guadiana are placed in Almendralejo, the building where it is placed is a good example of late 19th Century architecture. In Almendralejo there are special corners that amaze visitors and inhabitants themselves, for instance under the stands of the Bullring there is a winecellar.
In the city centre there are mansions and stately homes like Monsalud Palace, nowadays is the city council; or Marquises of Encomienda palatial home is an example of 18th Century lordly architecture. Close to the City Council we may find, Nuestra Señora de la Purificación Parish Church, the main altarpiece and frescos stand out. Nevertheless, the best well-known buildings of Almendralejo are Carolina Coronado Theatre and Círculo Mercantil, a lordly club where people meet.
Heading towards South we arrive at Villafranca de los Barros. This town is known as 'The City of music' due to the musical tradition that nowadays is still alive. In Villafranca de los Barros stands out sacred art like Ntra. Señora del Valle Church; Aurora Hermitage, or San josé, Ntra Señora del Carmen, San Ignacio or La Inmaculada school chapels.
Taking East direction we make a little stopover in Fuente del Maestre to enjoy delicious homemade cakes such as a sweet make with egg yolks and syrup or almond cakes. We go on to Villalba de los Barros, taking this town as starting point for a net of castles in the surrounding towns and villages of Tierra de Barros. This net will help us to understand better the militar defensive past of this land.
Castle of Villalba de los Barros
In Aceuchal we can see a big defensive tower builded by the Templar Knights.
We have a break in Santa Marta de los Barros where it is preserved and old cistern at the back of Santa Marta Parish Church to reach La Albuera.
On the middle of May the recreation of The Battle of La Albuera takes place. During Spanish Independece War the town was completely devastated, due to this fact the most important buildings were buil during 19th Century. Old and New bridges were rebuilt after the battle. Around the New bridge there is an area where people may practice sports and enjoy the enviroment.
From La Albuera we take the road that lead us to Alange, on the road we find the towns of Corte de Peleas and Solana. Holm oaks and pastures fill the landscape that transmit calm and ease, this relaxing trip finishes in Alange.
Our last stopover is Alange. The first settlements date from Bronze Age, from that moment on all the people who have settled there have left marks of their stay. Nevertheless, in the small village of Alange Roman Baths are the main attraction. The baths were built to thank Goddess Juno for a patrician young lady recovery on the 3rd Century. The water that springs out from the source is low radiation, for that reason it is used for medicinal purposes.
Alange roman baths
Reservoirs and rivers water this clay ground. History is around this austere hard-working area that keeps alive its traditions such as Las Candelas, bonfires, in Almendralejo or the Holy Cross in Feria, both have recognized as Celebrations of Interest by the Regional Goverment of Extremadura.
Throughout this journey we have the chance to enjoy delicious dishes such as Tierra de Barros crumbs or Cojondongo, a salad made of tomato bread oil,vinegar and salt. As well as wines, liqueurs and sweets.
The Hidden Treasures in the Valleys of Ambroz and Jerte
The Battle of La Albuera
