In the historic centre of Fuente Del Maestre, Calle Pizarra connects two main squares. This clear point of reference leads into a town that has been protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the “historic ensemble” category since 1998. One of the two squares is traditionally paved and represents the typical square model of the Baja Extremadura. For a stay focused on architectural history, the character of the town can be explored through its squares, streets and individual buildings.
Church, palace and medieval traces
The Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria was built in the 15th century and completed in the 16th century. Its architecture combines Gothic-Mudéjar and Renaissance elements. The main altar also tells a longer story of construction: the Sevillian master carver Sebastián Jiménez began work on it in 1719; the altar was completed in 1756. The church and altar thus reveal different historical layers within a single building.
The Palacio del Gran Maestre adds a different architectural note. The two-storey building is predominantly in the Mudéjar style and is arranged around a courtyard with a double arcade gallery made of exposed brick. Historically, it was the residence of Suárez de Figueroa, Grand Master of the Order of Santiago. Together with the church, the palace offers a direct comparison between religious architecture and a former seat of power.
A section of the medieval city wall, about 200 metres long, has survived. It is part of the 13th-century fortification system. Another historical layer is associated with the Iglesia de San Juan: it has been a church since the late 15th century; before that, it was a Jewish synagogue. The town’s history therefore extends from medieval fortifications to the religious buildings that shape it today.
A spring, collections and event venues
Fuente del Corro is the spring after which Fuente Del Maestre was named. Its square enclosure is made of marble and can be reached by three stairways. In the centre is a basin with a marble surround, from which water was once drawn. Its form, material and former use make the site a chapter of the town’s history in its own right.
The collections also cover different areas of interest. The José Gordillo permanent exhibition comprises approximately 50 works. The Museo de Instrumentos de Música Tradicional (Aquilino Vicente) contains more than 100 instruments, dating from the 18th century to the present day. Those interested in visual art will find a different way into cultural history here than in the collection of traditional musical instruments.
The Plaza de Toros brings together the history of events and architecture. Following renovations, it is a modern, multifunctional venue: in addition to bullfighting events, it also hosts other events. Its exterior is square, and windows from a project for a cavalry barracks are also visible. The building can therefore be understood both through its use and through its visible architectural details.
Traditional festivals and a natural area
The Fiestas del Stmo. Cristo de las Misericordias are traditionally celebrated from 13 to 17 September. The festivities include a daytime fair, bullfighting events, music festivals and an evening fair. This mix of daytime and evening activities gives the celebrations a different character from the permanent buildings and collections. If the fiestas are important to your travel plans, check the dates for your planned stay.
Los Diez Ojos is also a natural area within the municipality of Fuente Del Maestre. Its municipal land is flooded by an extension of the Embalse de Villalba. This means there are landscapes to explore alongside the town’s historic features, without having to combine the cultural and natural aspects into a single sightseeing itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Corte De Peleas, Don Benito, Carmonita, Cordobilla de Lácara, Casas de Don Pedro, Trujillanos, Risco, Castilblanco.
Go to the main travel overview: Badajoz.
