A pointed arch with a drawbridge connects the keep to the Tower of the Five Points at Castillo de Luna. This detail offers a glimpse into Alburquerque’s medieval heritage: construction of the fortress and its defensive structures began in the 13th century; in 1924, Castillo de Luna was declared a National Monument. The old town is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural, a site of special cultural interest.

Castle, quarter and historic buildings

Villa Adentro, also known as Barrio de la Teta Negra, is a walled medieval quarter that stretches along the castle hillside. Its houses include surviving granite doorways with pointed arches. At Puerta de la Villa, also known as Puerta de Belén, notable features include a projecting square tower, an open chapel added later and a bell gable. Puerta de Valencia has two flanking cylindrical towers, each 13 metres high, and two gates: one with a round arch and one with a pointed arch. Plaza de Toros is also a separately protected element within Alburquerque’s protected historic ensemble. The different architectural forms give the historic heritage more than one focal point: the fortifications, town gates and individually protected buildings can each be explored in their own right.

Churches, museum and rock paintings

In the courtyard of Castillo de Luna stands the late Romanesque, three-nave Iglesia de Santa María del Castillo. It is not currently used for religious services; check access arrangements before your arrival. Iglesia de Santa María del Mercado can be visited on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Its Renaissance main altarpiece dates from the 16th century, and its polychrome wooden statue of the Virgen de la Candelaria from the 15th century. Beside the church are collective anthropomorphic tombs carved into the rock.

The Museo Etnográfico Juan Castaño is located in the medieval quarter. Its collection of agricultural tools and old household objects also includes Aurelio Cabrera’s bedroom. A visit is possible after contacting the owner. The rock art at Abrigo del Risco de San Blas comprises schematic Bronze Age rock paintings and was declared a National Monument in 1942; contact the Oficina de Turismo to arrange a visit. The municipality of Alburquerque is also home to the ruined Ermita de Santiago o de los Santiagos. Surviving features include murals depicting warriors and four carved stones with reliefs of horseshoe arches. The Centro de Interpretación del Medievo displays historical panels about castles and fortifications, projections of all the castles in Extremadura, a model of Alburquerque, and information about the history of the town, its monuments and festivals. Ask about current visiting arrangements before you go. The Oficina de Turismo de Alburquerque provides information about things to do in the area and advice on routes and activities; check opening hours in advance.

Hiking, landscapes and events

Two municipal routes differ in both length and route type. PR-BA 100 is a 15.3-kilometre circular hike in the Sierra de los Picorros. PR-BA 128 is a 15.5-kilometre linear route between Alburquerque, Carrión and Los Riscos. When comparing the options, you can therefore consider whether you prefer a circular or linear route and the course of each one; check route conditions before setting out. Alburquerque is located in the Sierra de San Pedro. The surrounding area includes mountain landscapes and extensive holm-oak dehesas; much of these dehesas is considered a protected natural area.

The event calendar also features different seasonal highlights: the Festival Medieval Villa de Alburquerque takes place every year in the second half of August and is recognised as an event of regional tourist interest. Contem-pop-ránea is an annual alternative music festival held in Alburquerque in July since 1996. Check the dates and programmes for your trip.

Tastings and local experiences

The Ruta del Queso combines cultural visits in Alburquerque with tastings. At Quesería Doña Leonor de Alburquerque, a guided tour includes a tasting of its products. The “De la dehesa a la mesa” experience combines a visit to Risco Extremeño with a ham tasting. Another experience focuses on wine: the guided wine tourism tour at Bodega Encina Blanca includes the wine presses carved into the rock and the winery. The experience also includes access to a panoramic room overlooking the vineyards and Alburquerque, as well as a tasting of three wines with local tapas. Providers and dates may vary; check visit options before your trip.

Discover more destinations: El Raposo, Don Benito, Risco, Burguillos, Benquerencia De La Serena, Malcocinado, Torremejía, Santa Marta.

For the broader travel overview: Badajoz.