Magacela brings together a protected historic ensemble, other protected cultural heritage sites and archaeological sites. Its points of interest range from the castle and a former mosque to kilns, rock paintings and a dolmen. There are also different ways to plan your time: a walking route through the Conjunto Histórico and a longer cycling route. Magacela is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Conjunto Histórico category.

Castle Complex and Historic Layers

The fortified complex follows the long, narrow rocky ridge. Its perimeter extends for more than 250 metres and is up to 65 metres wide in places. These measurements give an idea of the fortification’s scale, whose layout follows the shape of the rock.

The Iglesia del Castillo also preserves traces of different periods: masonry from a Muslim mosque has survived within it. After the Reconquista, the church was later remodelled and extended. One of Magacela’s hermitages was the church of the former priory monastery of the Order of Alcántara, which has now completely disappeared; the old priory palace stood immediately beside it.

Kilns, Rock Paintings and Dolmen

The Conjunto de Hornos de Magacela is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Lugar de Interés Etnológico category; it was granted protected status by Decreto 14/2024. The complex comprises a total of 21 kilns. Some were used to fire bricks, while others were used to produce lime. Their different uses make the kiln complex a distinct point of interest alongside the fortification: here, production and kilns take centre stage.

The archaeological remains also include up to eight sites with rock paintings in caves and rock shelters. Schematic style predominates. Peña del Águila is considered the most accessible of these sites. The Dolmen de Magacela is located in the Los Tejares area, northeast of the rocky outcrop on which Magacela was built. It is ten metres from a picnic area and is very easy to reach by car.

Walking and Cycling Routes

The route through the Conjunto Histórico is 2.6 kilometres long. It takes about an hour on foot and is of low difficulty. For another outing, there is the Ruta de las Aves Esteparias y los Hornos de Cal: it is 18 kilometres long and takes about one hour and 15 minutes by bicycle.

The times and distances refer to two different routes and modes of transport: around an hour on foot for 2.6 kilometres, or about one hour and 15 minutes by bicycle for 18 kilometres. Local conditions can change, so check the current conditions on the relevant route before setting out.

Those interested in rock climbing will find a climbing area for beginners near the well-known Peña de “El Búho”. It is only a few metres from the town and is easy to reach from the road by the Castillo.

The Camino Mozárabe and Local Traditions

The Centro de Interpretación del Camino Mozárabe de Magacela presents the history, nature, culture and people of this Way of St James. The Camino connects Andalusia with Galicia and passes through Extremadura and Castile and León. The centre’s focus therefore extends beyond local history, offering a view of the regions along the route.

The local annual calendar includes the traditional Romería in honour of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. It takes place on Easter Monday near the Ermita and in the Berrocal area. The Festival Magadieval programme includes music, street theatre, percussion and a craft market. On each of the three event days, the market takes place again from 8 pm. Easter Monday is the date of the Romería; check the specific dates of Magadieval when planning your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: San Vicente De Alcántara, Castilblanco, Puebla De Alcocer, Quintana De La Serena, Guadiana del Caudillo, Entrerríos, La Morera, Aljucén.

For the main travel overview: Badajoz.