EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Extremadura is a spanish autonomous community located at the western south of the Iberian Peninsula. Has the two largest provinces of the country: Cáceres and Badajoz. Is border by Salamanca and Ávila from Castile & León to the north; By Toledo and Ciudad Real to the east from Castile La Mancha; By Huelva, Sevilla and Córdoba, from Andalucía to the south and, finally, with our brothers of Portugal to the west.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY The oficial language of the Extremadura community is Castilian. The Portuguese is spoken too in some places and there are others natives or commons languages like “Extremeño” and “Fala del Valle del Jerte”.
Qué lambuzo soy acho. Me he hartado de perrunillas y sigo con gusa...
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Extremadura has a flag with three equal size stripes. The colours of the stripes are green (simbolising the “Orden de Alcántara”), white (representing the León Royal Banner) and black (reminding his muslim past). Has a Coat of Arms with simbols of Castilla, León, The pillars of Hercules and a holm oak. The anthem has lirycs of Rodríguez Pinilla and music by Miguel del Barco Gallego.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY The holm oak is one of the most important simbols of Extremadura because his fruit, the acorns, is the food of the iberian pig. There are some theories about the origin of the community name. One of these is that it means “Duero border” (extremi Durii).
This olm hoak is called “Terrona”. Has more than 800 years. Maybe is the world biggest one. His heigth is 16m and the trunk perimeter have 7,80m. Is in Zarza Montánchez, Cáceres.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY The president of the community is Guillermo Fernández Vara of PSOE. Meanwhile, the mayors of the mains cities are of PP. The capital is located in Mérida in spite of this is not the province capital, which is Badajoz.
Extremadura´s Parliament
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Extremadura has two distinguished geographical places. One of them, Cáceres, is a mountain region with ranges of the Central Sistem like Gata, Gredos or Béjar, over 2.000m. This peaks are living with low valleys like Jerte or Tiétar which are below 400m.
The Gredos mountain range seen from La Vera Region.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY The other geographical region, Badajoz, is similar to AndalucĂa because has large grasslands which confer the traditional view of extremadura with the green and relaxing pastures. In somewhere you can find only 300m of altitude. It show us the variety of the Extremadura orography.
Extremadura´s Pasture.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY The climate of this community is mediterranean with some continental features. The summer is hot an dry and has warm winter with six january degrees average. There are abundants rains in the winter, with 400/600mm of year precipitations.
The dry summer and the plenty of rains winter, promote some trouble like this sand leak. The mountains can not soak up the water and are released.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY The first civilisations in Extremadura were the Tartessos and the Celts in the VIII century before the birth of Christ. Later were the Lusitanos, Vettanos and Cartaginenses, before the Romans arrive.
The Romans were the most important civilisation stablished in the community.
Roman road of “Robledillo de Gata” in the province of Cáceres. The Romans made a lot and relevants infraestructures in the region of Extremadura like “Vía de la Plata”.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY After the romans, Extremadura was part of the Visigothic kingdom of Euricio. In the VIII century, leading by Musa, the muslims conquered the zone and became part of the Al-andalus. After the christian conquest has important places like the die place of Charles V.
Monastery of Yuste, Cuacos de Yuste, Cรกceres. Was the place where the imperator Charles V died of tuberculosis.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY To get Extremadura you can arrive by car, bus, train or plane.
By bus or car, you can get Extremadura by many roads. There are a lot of carriageway but are secundaries. The main ones are the highway A66 from the north to the south and the A5, which cross the region from the west to the east. Those roads remind the roman presence because they seem the Cardus and Decumanus.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY To get Extremadura you can arrive by car, bus, train or plane. If you want travel to Extremadura from Granada, the best option in my opinion is by car. By plane, in three hours and 400e you shall be there. Also you can travel by train of course... It takes only nine hours. And if you enjoy the bus trips, six hours and two buses...
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY To get Extremadura you can arrive by car, bus, train or plane.
By plane, Talavera la Real has the only airport of the community. Is located at 14km from Badajoz but is in its municipal borders.
By train, there is a daily service Badajoz-Madrid. There are conections with AndalucĂa too (MĂŠrida-Sevilla) and Castile La Mancha (Badajoz-Ciudad Real).
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY As you know Extremadura has no beach. The most near is at 200 or 300km away. But there are two beautiful unnatural beaches in the region. Proserpina beach is in the province of Badajoz. Proserpina dam maybe is the most ancient of Spain. Was built by the romans in 130.
Orellana la Vieja beach is the first inland beach with de Blue Flag Prize. Is in the province of Badajoz.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Extremadura is an open-air museum. These lands were crossed by several civilizations and nowadays we can observe this in a lot of archaeological reminds.
Prehistoria The “Valencia de Alcántara” neolitics dolmens (Cáceres) are one of the most importants of whole Europe. This burial estructure is formed by 41 pieces and was listed as a Building of Cultural Interest, with archaeological zone, in 1992.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Rome
The Roman Empire left a lot of traces of them along the community. Mérida, was called “Emerita Augusta” by Octavio Augusto; was an important city of the Empire. For all these reasons the Emeritense Archaeological Ensemble was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 1993 and before, on February 8 of 1973, was declared Historical and Archeaeogical Complex, the only one in Spain.
Mérida Roman Theatre. Was built by Marco Vipsanio Agripa in 16-15 BC. Nowadays you can see theatre performances on summer in the Classic Theatre Fest.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Rome
There are so many places to see the Rome footprint in Extremadura in addition to Mérida Roman Theatre. Roman Bridge of Alcántara, Cáceres. In spite of be a roman construction, his name come from arabic “alQantarat” which means “the Bridge. Was built in 104-106 BC by the engineer Cayo Iulius Lacer to cross the Tagus.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Rome The roman arch of “Augustóbriga” is the only one preserved “Portico de Curia” of the Roman Era. The village of Augustóbriga (Second Century) is under water since 1963 after the construction of the Valdecañas Swamp in Cáceres.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Hispanic Visigoth
The Basilica of Santa María del Trampal in Alcuéscar, Cáceres, is the last building of the Visigothic Era in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. It is dated in the VII Century and this constructions didn´t follow any certain pattern therefore this church is unique in the world.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY The Muslims
In spite of the arab significant presence there are no many reminds of this wonderful art. One of them is the wall of Cáceres.
This wall was built by the Celtiberians and reformed by the Romans but has to be reconstructed by the muslims in the XII century by the Almohades. They built an impregnable fortress and called it “Hinz Qazris”. The wall was comunicated with the towers by drawbridges to cut off them if it was necessary.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY The Muslims Other remind of the Arab Era is the Cistern of the Alcazaba de Cáceres. Today it is located beneath the “Palacio de las Veletas”.It is dated about X-XI centuries and was added to the christian upbuilding because his valious functionality.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY The Romanic The church of Santa María de Almocóvar, Alcántara (Cáceres) was erected above the mosque of the village about 1281 but was remodeling along the years and the last refurbish was the building of the Capilla Mayor in the 16th century. Inside you can see importants pieces with a highly attractive like the sepulchre of the commander Antonio Bravo de Jerez, which a lying Christ and the baptismal font where was christened San Pedro de Alcántara.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Mudejar Style The conquered of Extremadura was about XIII century and the converted muslims to christianity created the Mudejar art. The word comes from the arabic “mudaʒʒann” which means “domesticated”. This is the Ajimez house in Zafra, Badajoz.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY The Gothic
The Santa María La Mayor church, in Trujillo, Cáceres, is one of the examples of the gothic style in Extremadura. Maybe was built over and old mosque. Since the XX century, after a restore, you can see the Athletic Club coat.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Rural Tourism
If you want to travel looking for leave the concret jungle, in Extremadura you can not miss the Hurdes region. Is an amazing place to enjoy the country watching landscapes which you´ll never forget.
Another way to feel the enviroment in your skin is swimming in the manifold of little rivers which come from the mountains. The locals call them “Gargantas” and has a very cold and clear water. This Garganta is in Jarandilla de la Vera, in La Vera Region, and flows beneath a 2.000 years roman bridge. This region is known like the Castile Alpujarra. Do you want a bath under the history?
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY The MonfragĂźe Natural Park is one of the most valious of Spain. Is located in the province of CĂĄceres, between the cities of Trujillo, Plasencia and Villanueva de la Serena. Was declared by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2003. There are so many species of fauna and flora but is specially relevant the presence of rapacious like the Griffon Vulture.
Green Tourism
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Green Tourism
The Jerte Valley is one of this destinations that seem like out of a fairy tale. It is located in Cรกceres and there is posible to watch the miracle of the cherries in blossom during the spring season.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Green Tourism There are a lot of hiking routes by La Vera region, but there is one of them that is so interesting because is the last last journey of Charles V before his retirement in Cuacos de Yuste. He was transported through this mountains in a chair over the local men shoulders.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Sport Tourism In a place in full nature you can play football, of course. But it would be madness!!! The adventure sports have in Extremadura
thousands of spots to practise any risk sport: canyoning, parachuting, puenting, windsurfing... you can make high mountain paths, hiking, caves or simple walks along rural roads. For example the TiÊtar River is a perfect place to sailing in kayak throughout La Vera region in the Gredos Mountain Range. You´ll feel the pure nature. In yumping.com you have all the information about this kind of sports as well as the main spots and fares.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Urban Tourism
Is difficult to choose a city of Extremadura to do urban tourism. Plasencia is an important place which you can find a rich and diverse proposal where history, culture, gastronomy and landscape converge. It is mandatory left the car near the aqueduct to start the visual recreation ;-)
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Urban Tourism Plasencia, one more place to smell the history.
Wall.
Main Square. Ancient Cathedral.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Urban Tourism
Merida Archaeological Complex was declared World Heritage Site on 1993. Is not difficult to bump with any monument when you turn one corner while you are having a walk around Merida.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Urban Tourism Strolling Mérida you can feel Rome in your skin everywhere. Diana´s temple.
Roman bridge.
Forum.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Urban Tourism
The old town of Cรกceres was declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1986. That was because is the most complete and best preserved urban complex from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Arco de La Estrella & Plaza Mayor of Cรกceres.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Urban Tourism
C ác er es ..
.
The Sande or the Plata Tower.
Bujaco Almohade Tower.
San Jorge Square. Mudejar House.
Santa María Cathedral.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Religious Tourism The Holy Week is famous in whole Spain. Neverthelees, the Vía Crucis of Mérida is one of the most stunning scenes of this week. Was declared National Touristic Interest and is performed in the Roman Amphitheather.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Religious Tourism There are many religious manifestations in Extremadura. Each region has one or more RomerĂas such as the Virgen de BĂłtoa in Badajoz. This pilgrimage began in 1751 and is international because is celebrated by the portuguese too. They call out to the virgin seeking for rains. It was declared of National Touristic Interest in 1965.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Religious Tourism
But the most relevant religious destination is the Guadalupe´s Monastery in Cáceres. The Guadalupe virgin is known like “Reina de las Españas” and is the patron of Extremadura. The woodcarving belongs to the blackish virgins of Europe and was declared World Heritage Site in 1993. The legend says that the virgin travelled from Greece in the first century till VIIIth century, when was discovered near the Guadalupe river. In that place was built the monastery which has a lot of pilgrims routes.
Virgen de Guadalupe .
Monasterio.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Health Tourism In Extremadura there are more than 1500 trades in health services hence this kind of tourists (from Germany, UK and France mainly) are the more important touristic segment. There are seven Thermal Villages and the most important is BaĂąos de Montemayor. Since first century AC we know of its existence.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Health Tourism Other Termal Villages are... El Raposo, Badajoz.
El Salugral, Hervรกs (Cรกceres).
Alange, Badajoz.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Shopping Tourism In the mains cities of Extremadura you can find all kind of shops. In Cáceres you find all that you need at “Ruta de la Plata” mall center. In Mérida, Santa Eulalia Street is your place when think in shopping. The Menacho Open Mall Center is the important shopping zone of Badajoz and is composed of more than 120 members in the traditional shopping zone.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Cruise Tourism
Maybe, when you are thinking in a cruise your mind flies to the sea. But the Tagus is partially navigable and crossing the Tagus International Natural Park. There are three routes and one of them is in Portugal.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Leisure Tourism There is an aquatic park, of course. In this community is AquaBadajoz (Lusiberia).
And the nightlife has a lot of corners to drink and dance like La AbadĂa, in Trujillo, CĂĄceres.
But we can find something special when we talk about leisure. safaris.geo-activa.es shows you the nature of Extremadura.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Business Tourism The Convention Centre of Mérida, Cáceres or Badajoz are the most relevant when we are talking about business. Although, the show grounds of IFEME, IFECA and IFEBA offer to the business people all the comforts to development his ideas.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Business Tourism The Convention Centre Manuel Rojas, Badajoz, is considered the most representative ones of Spain.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Visit the ham curers is a great oportunity
Industrial Tourism
we are in Finca Dehesa de la Solana inside the Tagus International Natural Park.
to understand why the iberian ham has this taste. There are a For 12â‚Ź you can see the cured lot of them for process if the pig suffering is no whole matter for your minds. For more info Extremadura but check dehesadesolana.es
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Gastronomy
MM MM MM !!!!! !
The cachuelas: are liver pork with chopped garlics and pepper cooked with lard.
The Torta del Casar is a Protected Geographical Indication cheese. You have to eat it spreading in bread.
Ensalada de las Hurdes: is a mix of lemon, orange, fried eggs and spicy pork sausage.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Gastronomy
MM MM MM !!!!!
!
The Pimentรณn de La Vera has Protected Geographical Indication.
Perrunillas are the tipycal cookies from Extremadura. Are made with brandy. Another meal with Protected Geographical Indication is the Villuercas-Ibores honey.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Enology The wines of Extremadura have Apellation of Origin and there are six wines district: Tierra de Barros, Matanegra, Ribera Alta, Ribera Baja, Cañamero y Montánchez. All of them are under the seal of approval Ribera del Guadiana. There is a route through this region visitinq the wineries. You can awakening the senses drinking this spirits and sleeping in rural houses to enjoy it intensely. One of the most important ones is Bodegas Habla which has a luxury wines known like Colección de Alta Costura. This company has some relevant prizes.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Events and Festivals The ethnic dress has a tipycal garment called Faltriquera but is hidden behind the skirt. Is a masterpiece of the dressmaker by the wonderful embroidery. The day of Extremadura is on September 8th and is held in honor of the Guadalupe Virgin. There are so many festival along the region like Badasom in Badajoz, Verasummer in Cรกceres or Extrerave, where the young people has turned the raves in a fest.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Events and Festivals But the most notable and ancient spanish theatre festival is in Extremadura. The Classic Theater International Fest of MĂŠrida offer you an unforgottable experience.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Curiosities The Extremadura cork is the most valious ones of the world because the very pure enviroment.
Robe Iniesta, the leader of Extremoduro was born in Plasencia. This rock group is one of the spanish rock reference.
In Extremadura were born some of the most well known conquerors of Spain. They were bravery and adventurous and by that the extemeĂąos are known nowadays.
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY Tourist Promotion
m c o ur . ra yo u e ad grad m r e o up t x t e. oe age c n ism is p perie r tu t th ex i s Vi
A stork with a bottom-up flight and the colours of the flag are the touristic logo. It is mean that the community has potential for the future and a great nature heritage.
Almost every city has his TIO and there you can get all the info about the region. They promote Extremadura with videos too like the following one...
EXTREMADURA COMMUNITY “Webliography� termasdelambroz.com excursionesextremadura.es safaris.geo-activa.es aquabadajoz.com abadiatrujillo.com hoy.es turismotajointernacional.com turismodeljamon.com redextremadura.com
viajarporextremadura.com rutadelvinoriberadelguadiana.es puertadelavera.com festivaldemerida.es palcongrex.es turismoextremadura.com tripadvisor.com dehesadesolana.es yumping.com