Palomas brings together architectural history, local festivals and a route along the Río Palomillas, offering different reasons to visit. The parish church of Nuestra Señora de Gracia draws attention to Mudéjar architecture, while the Puente Medieval points to a possible history of the settlement’s origins; festive traditions, in turn, are tied to particular times of year. If you are planning a cultural stay, these highlights can help you match Palomas to your interests and choose suitable travel dates.
A church with several building phases
The parish church of Nuestra Señora de Gracia dates back to the first quarter of the 16th century. Construction was already under way in 1515; by the middle of the century, the work was nearly complete. The tower was built shortly before 1550. Considered a Gothic-Mudéjar façade tower, it is regarded as one of the finest examples of a Mudéjar tower in Extremadura.
The main altar also belongs to a later phase: it dates from the second half of the 17th century and features Solomonic columns. Thus, the same church brings together an early building phase, a tower from shortly before 1550 and an altar from a later century. This sequence offers a concrete introduction to local architectural history, with the tower adding a distinctive regional touch.
Puente Medieval and local history
Another way to explore the history of Palomas is the Puente Medieval over the Río Palomillas. The bridge has eleven round arches and is dated to the 15th or 16th century. Its construction may have prompted the original settlement of Palomas—a possible explanation of the town’s origins, not a certainty.
Since its restoration in 2002, vehicles more than 1.20 m wide have been prohibited from crossing the Puente Medieval. If you are travelling by vehicle, check the local restrictions in advance. The bridge is therefore not only a subject of architectural history, but also a practical consideration when planning your journey.
Festivals in May and September
The Fiestas de la Cruz de Mayo take place every first weekend in May and are organised with the participation of local residents. The AutoSacramental Cruz de Mayo is a community theatre production by residents of Palomas, involving more than 100 actors of all ages. This May event offers a different reason to visit during the year from the patron saint’s festival in September.
Nuestra Señora del Socorro is the patron saint of Palomas; the Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Socorro, dedicated to her, was built in 1515. The patron saint’s festival takes place in mid-September, with the feast day on 17 September, a mass and a procession with the statue of the Virgin Mary. If you would like to plan your trip around either celebration, check the dates in advance.
Las Poyatas in the municipal area
Las Poyatas, also known as Casa Grande, is located in the municipal area of Palomas. The building is a country-estate palace with an eclectic design and predominantly Neo-Medieval features. It also has a literary connection: Felipe Trigo set the story of his novel El médico rural there.
Las Poyatas was originally designed as a country retreat palace and donated to the Patronato Antituberculoso during Spain’s post-war period; a sanatorium was later established there. Its literary connection, design and later use give the building a cultural and historical focus distinct from that of the church and bridge. Las Poyatas is in the municipal area, whereas the local landmarks mentioned above relate to Palomas itself.
A route along the Río Palomillas
Another option to consider when planning a trip is the PR-BA 153 LIC Rio Palomillas, which starts in Palomas. The linear out-and-back route is 11.8 km long and crosses the Río Palomillas at a ford. Alongside the buildings and festive traditions, this offers a specific route featuring a river crossing.
It is advisable to check the current route markings on site. Conditions at the ford can vary depending on the time of year. This helps you plan your outing with the route’s layout and river crossing in mind, while the church, bridge and festivals each offer a different way to explore Palomas’s history and annual calendar.
Discover more destinations: Nogales, Acedera, Puebla De Alcocer, Villanueva De La Serena, Villafranca De Los Barros, Calera De León, Torremejía, Segura De León.
For the broader travel overview: Badajoz.
