Townscape and castle
Feria is designated a historic-artistic ensemble. Steep, winding streets and whitewashed traditional buildings adapt to the rugged terrain. The castle stands on a rocky outcrop beside the town and has long been an important defensive stronghold. The townscape and castle give Feria’s historic character distinct dimensions: the buildings follow the terrain, while the castle complex tells the story of its former defensive role.
The Muslim population is credited with building an early earthen alcazaba on the site of the present-day castle; their presence in the area is clearly documented. The main complex that survives today and the existing keep date from the mid-15th century. The castle was later remodelled several times. The early fortification attributed to the Muslim population can therefore be distinguished in date from the surviving 15th-century complex.
The keep is considered an example of Gothic military architecture: it has a square floor plan with rounded corners. The outer complex includes a wall that follows the irregular terrain and cylindrical watchtowers. An interior cross wall divides the complex into two areas. During your visit, you can explore the castle tower’s four floors and reach the terrace, which offers views over Tierra de Barros. The Centro de InterpretaciĂłn del SeñorĂo de Feria is also inside the tower.
In August 2026, the official municipal portal listed daily opening hours of 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Check the current schedule before your visit.
Santa Cruz and the festival tradition
The Santa Cruz festival, also known as the May Crosses, is recognised as a Festival of Tourist Interest in Extremadura and takes place in Feria on 3 May. Since the Rincón de la Cruz was established in 1980, a flower-offering ceremony has been held there every year on 3 May. The celebrations also include a church service followed by a procession through the town’s narrow, steep streets. If you plan to visit for the festival, check the programme for the specific year in advance.
Women and children make crosses that are displayed in the parish church on 2 and 3 May. The main festival cross remains on display all year round in the church of San Bartolomé. The church dates from the late 15th century and is classified as early Gothic. The festival tradition thus encompasses both the events held over a few days at the beginning of May and a cross that remains on display in the church throughout the year.
La Entrega and the Casa Museo de la Cruz
“La Entrega” is a religious folk play performed by local actors in Feria’s main square. At the Casa Museo de la Cruz, visitors can encounter the play in another form: the museum displays the main characters from “La Entrega” and presents a video exhibition about the auto sacramental. The video also covers how the crosses are made and the procession.
Other exhibits at the Casa Museo de la Cruz include award-winning crosses from the Juegos Florales and a cross on display. The museum thus connects the festival tradition with its crosses and characters, while “La Entrega” features both as a performance in the square and as a subject of the exhibition.
Walking in the countryside
The surrounding area can also be explored along walking routes with different points of interest. One route offers panoramic views over Tierra de Barros, as well as views of olive groves, a washhouse and traditional buhardas. Another, broad and well-surfaced route passes through olive groves and pastureland to the 18th-century Albuera dam. You can choose according to what you would like to see: panoramas and individual landscape features on one route, or a walk to the historic dam on the other. For the route to the dam, it is advisable to check conditions and access locally.
Discover more destinations: Malpartida de la Serena, Los Santos De Maimona, Montijo, Casas de Don Pedro, Mengabril, Valdecaballeros, Alburquerque and Peraleda del Zaucejo.
Return to the main travel overview: Badajoz.
