Wine and cava offer a distinctive way to explore Almendralejo: a museum in a former alcohol factory, a vineyard growing regional grape varieties, and the craft of cava production each reveal a different side of this culture. The town also has buildings from several centuries and a prehistoric tomb with a special connection to the winter solstice. Discover the area through its food and drink, history and archaeology.
Wine and Cava on Display and in Production
The Museo de las Ciencias del Vino is housed in the former Alcoholera Extremeña, an alcohol factory dating from the mid-20th century. Parts of the original wine and alcohol containers have been preserved as exhibition features. The permanent exhibitions cover the history of wine and its production processes, complemented by interactive areas. The museum’s vineyard grows various grape varieties cultivated in Extremadura. Visitors can also sample a glass of wine.
Bodegas VĂa de la Plata offers another perspective on the region’s wine culture. The first bottle of cava from Extremadura was produced at its facilities; since 1985, the bodega has made cava by hand using the traditional method. Visitors can learn about the production process, bottle by bottle, and take part in the “degĂĽello” technique. When arranging a visit, check whether participation is possible. Together, these venues offer two different insights: the museum presents the history and production processes, while the bodega offers a look at production itself.
Courtyards, Frescoes and Theatre History
Built in 1752, the Palacio de Monsalud is arranged around a central courtyard. Wrought ironwork and tiles from Talavera and Seville define its design. Visits in the afternoon and on Saturdays must be arranged with the tourist office. The ColecciĂłn Monsalud at the Convento de San Antonio comprises about 80 pieces from Roman, Visigothic and Arab periods.
Sacred buildings also tell the story of different eras. The Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Purificación was built in the 16th century on the foundations of a 15th-century hermitage. Its frescoes date from 1948 and were created by the Italian painters Giovanni Gritti, Ottavio Bernardi and Emilio Nembrini. The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Piedad, located in Parque de la Piedad, has three 18th-century Baroque altarpieces, carved and gilded by Isidro Bayón of Fuentes del Maestre.
The Teatro Carolina Coronado was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category in 1995. In 2004, it was restored for use as a theatre; during the work, the interior was reconstructed to bring it closer to its original appearance. Visits must be arranged in advance through the tourist office. These buildings offer different points of interest, from courtyard design and paintings to altarpieces and the history of a theatre.
A Tomb Linked to the Winter Solstice
The prehistoric tomb of Huerta Montero is over 4,600 years old. It was used in the 3rd millennium BC as a communal tomb and place of worship during the Copper Age. Its alignment allows sunlight to illuminate the burial chamber on the day of the winter solstice—as an offering to the deceased. The tomb is closed and opens to visitors by prior arrangement with the tourist office; bookings must be made at least 24 hours in advance. As access arrangements can change, reconfirm your visit before you go.
Urban Nature and Lesser Kestrels
Almendralejo is home to an urban ZEPA-category bird protection area associated with the conservation of the lesser kestrel. Birding Almendralejo has a viewing area with a one-way viewing installation that allows visitors to observe the colony without disturbing its breeding. The condition of the viewing area depends on local maintenance; check before your visit. Alongside wine and architecture, bird conservation and observing a colony offer another way to explore the area.
Discover more destinations: Olivenza, Fuente Del Maestre, Guadiana del Caudillo, MedellĂn, La Morera, Siruela, Higuera De La Serena, Hornachos.
For the overview of the wider region: Badajoz.
