A picturesque Spanish city with fairytale like colorful architecture attracts fewer tourists than its famous neighbours. Badajoz is the capital of the Province of Badajoz in Extremadura, Spain , which is located on the left of the bank of the river Guadiana, and is 38 miles from Mérida, 141 miles east of Lisbon and 252 miles from Madrid . The beautiful Spanish city has a history marked by conflict.
Spain and Portugal tussled over the area for centuries, leading to several wars, including the Spanish War of Succession (1705), the Storming of Badajoz (1812), and the Spanish Civil War (1936) after the Reconquista. This turbulent past is etched into the city’s architecture and landmarks. The Badajoz Cathedral was built in 1238 and stands like a fortress, showcasing three "unique" windows one in Gothic style, the second in Renaissance and the third in Plateresque style (15th-century).
While the historic Alcazaba of Badajoz, a Moorish castle overlooking the Guadiana River, offers stunning views and a glimpse into the city’s strategic significance. Due to these historical conflicts, Badajoz’s economy frequently suffered, leaving its people in poverty. The infertile agricultural land further hindered economic development, making agriculture a minor industry.
Instead, the city's rich history and numerous historic monuments became major tourist attractions, fostering the growth of tourism and some industrial development. Badajoz's beauty is highlighted by the ruins of the Moori.