Campanario combines archaeological heritage and distinctive architecture with natural settings and places to enjoy the water. La Mata represents the area’s archaeological history, while the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is a notable feature of the town’s architecture. The Playa de Campanario and an internationally important wetland are located on the Orellana Reservoir. These themes offer different starting points for planning your stay.

Archaeology, architecture and religious tradition

The La Mata archaeological complex lies within the municipality of Campanario and is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the Archaeological Zone category. The building served as a residence for rural elites during the post-Orientalising period. La Mata thus combines protected archaeological status with a specific historical function: the lives of rural elites in that period.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción stands in the centre of Campanario. Its front façade features a bell gable that replaced an earlier tower. The Casa del Diablo has a distinctive stone façade on the Plaza. The façade of the Convento de las Clarisas displays the coat of arms of the Franciscan Order, with crossed arms. These three buildings offer different architectural points of reference: a bell gable, a stone façade and a religious order’s coat of arms.

About 10 kilometres from Campanario, the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Piedraescrita stands at a Mesta drovers’ route rest area. In 1993, the Junta de Extremadura declared it an Asset of Cultural Interest. Its architectural features include a surrounding portico and a Baroque camarín crowned by a dome. The venerated statue of the Virgen de Piedraescrita dates to the 13th century. The building and the statue are distinct historical points of reference: the dating refers to the statue, while the portico and camarín characterise the architecture of the ermita.

The Romería de Piedraescrita is celebrated on Easter Monday in honour of the Virgen de Piedraescrita. The festival is recognised as a Festival of Tourist Interest in Extremadura. If you are planning your visit around the Romería, check the dates for the relevant year.

The Museo Arte-Naturaleza y Etnográfico de Campanario has a permanent educational exhibition devoted to rural society in the recent past. It displays tools used in local trades, as well as crafts made from esparto grass and rush. These tools and craft materials complement the archaeological and architectural themes with a glimpse of rural life. Visits are arranged by telephone appointment.

Water, wildlife and trails

The Embalse del Paredón is a microhabitat for waterbirds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. The Presa del Paredón dams the Arroyo del Molar, a tributary of the Zújar, and is built of quartzite and slate masonry. It is listed in Extremadura’s Inventory of Historical and Cultural Heritage. This site brings together ecological importance and a specifically described historic structure.

The Orellana Reservoir is popular with birdwatchers. Its wildlife includes griffon vultures, golden eagles, black storks, otters, badgers and natterjack toads. The reservoir forms part of a wetland of international importance; its shores border, among other areas, the municipality of Campanario. The Playa de Campanario is a freshwater beach on the reservoir’s left bank, where water sports can be enjoyed. Bathing facilities and water conditions may vary seasonally; the availability of water sports also depends on the season and local conditions.

The GR-115 TranSerena offers practical guidance for planning your stages: the route is divided into four stages, including one from Castuera to Campanario. The Campanario–La Haba stage follows the course of the Arroyo del Molar. The reference to four stages describes the route as a whole, while the pairs of place names identify specific sections. Check the route’s condition and trail conditions before setting off.

Getting to Campanario

To reach Campanario, take the A-5 to exit 316, then the EX-A2 to exit 23, and continue on the EX-104 towards Campanario. Before travelling, check whether roadworks or changes affect the route.

Discover more destinations: Almendralejo, Trujillanos, Torremejía, Corte De Peleas, Burguillos, Montemolín, La Rabaza, Llerena

For the wider travel overview: Badajoz.