About Extremadura
Extremadura, a comunidad autónoma (autonomous country) and historic region of Spain includes the southwestern region (province) of Cáceres and Badajoz. The region of Extremadura is made up of the autonomous regions of Castile-Leon to the north, Castile-La Mancha to the east and Andalusia to the south. It is surrounded by Portugal to the west.
Extremadura was created by the Law of Independence of February 25, 1983. The capital is Merida. Area 16,075 square miles (41,634 square km). Pop. (2007 first) 1,089,990.
History of Extremadura
The Iberian Peninsula was conquered by the Roman Empire which ruled the region for centuries before its fall in 476 AD. When the Roman Empire fell, Muslims who left Arabia and the Middle East invaded the region after the death of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Muslims ruled the area from 700 AD until 1200 AD when Christians began to reclaim the land they were driven from. By 1248 the Christians had retaken the area lost to the Muslims.
Extremadura takes its name from the Muslims who invaded the region. They called the land in the west Extremadura because it was an area outside the Moorish territory. As parts of Extremadura were conquered, the borders changed. At the end of the 11th century, the name Extremadura was given to the region in the south, which included the cities of Salamanca and Avila. At this time, Castile and Leon also formed a territory called Extremadura.
Their territory includes the cities of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz. For centuries, Extremadura was considered two separate territories. King Ferdinand III eventually ended the division of territories and created a unified territory that would become the territory of Extremadura that we know today.
At the beginning of this period, the region of Extremadura was poor and did not have many job opportunities. Because of this, many young men from the area started to travel to the New World. Some of the most famous conquerors came from Extremadura, including Hernan Cortes and Hernando de Soto.
Many countries in North, Central and South America were founded by immigrants born in Extremadura. The Royal Audience of Spain was established in the Kingdom of Castile in 1371, which laid the foundation for Extremadura to become an autonomous region in 1790. Extremadura joined the Royal Audience of Spain in 1790 and was officially recognized as an autonomous region. on February 25. , 1983.
How to reach Extremadura
By plane
Extremadura has an airport near Badajoz (BJZ), which is served by Iberia, or its sister company Air Nostrum, with daily flights from Madrid and Barcelona. In most cases, however, it is easy and cheap to go to Madrid or Lisbon and go by train or bus from there, which takes 3-5 hours.
By train
There are train connections to major cities in Extremadura. From Madrid, the train journey takes about 3 to 4 hours. Check the Renfe website for a good idea of the time and expenses required to reach your destination.
By car
From Madrid, the A-5 highway is the most logical route to Badajoz. This highway also passes through Trujillo. If you want to go to Caceres, follow the A-5 to Trujillo and continue on the A-58. If your destination is in the north of Extremadura, you will want to leave the A-5 first and continue on the EX-A1 (which connects to the A-66, near Plasencia)
By Bus
Many cities have bus stations that will take you to places in Extremadura. From Madrid, the journey takes about 3 to 5 hours, depending on your destination. From the bus station in the capital you can continue with local buses to reach smaller places
Why you should visit Extremadura first
The area hosts one of the best San Juan festivals in Spain
La Noche de San Juan (the night of Saint John) takes place across Spain on the night of June 23 with the explosion of fireworks and bonfires. However, in the city of Badajoz, the Feira de San Juan is held for a week, not only with fireworks and fireworks, but also with exhibitions, films and dances.
It produces some of the best hams in the world
All of Spain is known for ham, but the Extremadara region produces some of the best. About 45 kilometers north of Mérida is the town of Montanchez, surrounded by large Iberian pig farms, where the pigs run free and feed only on fresh acorns. It is known as jamón ibérico puro de bellota.
It is full of monuments of Roman Spain
If you love Roman ruins, a visit to Extremadura can be a trip to Italy. In the city of Mérida, you’ll find everything from beautiful Roman monuments to beautiful Roman bridges and the famous Milagros Aqueduct.
Its architecture is amazing
From great cathedrals and Roman theatres, to ancient Moorish castles and fortresses, Extremadura has it all. Some of the best places to visit here include the Castle of Trujillo, the Moorish House of Zafra, the Roman Temple of Diana in Mérida, the Monastery of Guadalupe and the Citadel of La Alcazaba in Badajoz.
