The town hidden between Badajoz and Portugal with a beautiful medieval quarter

When planning a nearby trip, our towns are the best option to soak up Spain's cultural and architectural richness for a few days. And in this, the province of Extremadura, with the beauty and charm of its more rural surroundings, never ceases to amaze us. Impressive towns that cling to their conquering past, like Trujillo, or those that still preserve the Templar legacy, like Olivenza and Jerez de los Caballeros , are just a few examples of the wonders that await us when we delve into this land that we too often overlook. And in our eagerness to discover new places, we travel to the northwest of Badajoz to visit Alburquerque , a town with more than enough reasons to become your next getaway.

What to see in Albuquerque

Its cobbled streets lead us past monuments that were key to our history: from the Luna Castle (13th century), which played an important role in defending the border with Portugal, to the Villa Wall that has protected Alburquerque since the Middle Ages.

The most impressive fortress in Extremadura

The Luna Castle is one of the must-see attractions in this town. A National Monument, it is also one of the finest examples of medieval architecture. Its defensive areas are staggered along the slope on which it sits, and from the top, you can enjoy the best panoramic views of Alburquerque and the Sierra de San Pedro.

The parade ground houses the Church of Santa María del Castillo (also known as the Church of the Relics). It is in late Romanesque style and is currently not used for religious services.

But there's another church you shouldn't miss, as it's one of the most valuable examples of the Gothic-Mudejar style in Extremadura: the 15th-century church of Santa María del Mercado . Located in the medieval quarter at the foot of the castle, its interior features an impressive main altarpiece and the Mudejar coffered ceiling that covers the main nave.

Access to the medieval village

The Puerta de Valencia is one of the ancient entrances to the medieval town that still stands. Flanked by two imposing cylindrical towers, it was the access point for those arriving from neighboring Valencia de Alcántara.

A tour of the walls

On the hillside where the fortress sits, you'll also find the medieval quarter , known as Villa Adentro or Barrio de la Teta Negra. Small houses, usually single-story, built of masonry and others of granite, shape this historic center, whose main street runs from the Puerta de la Villa to the Puerta de Valencia. But don't miss the other narrow streets that form this medieval enclosure and lead to this artery. Exploring the area, you'll come across charming corners with flower pots and flowers.

A journey through Extremaduran gastronomy

You won't leave Alburquerque without stopping by its main square, home to the Town Hall, the Clock Tower , and even a chapel converted into a restaurant. It's also the perfect place to enjoy the local cuisine, with dishes so typical of this region like Cartujana-style partridge, aborregás potatoes, and the popular Mojo de pestorejo.