Quintana de la Serena can be explored through its granite, architectural history and landscapes. The Museo del Granito, sculptures made from Gris Quintana granite and the SL-BA 74 Cañada Segoviana de Hijovejo hiking trail each offer a different focus: the history of quarrying, outdoor sculpture and a route on foot. If you would like to combine culture and exercise, you can choose what to focus on according to your interests.
Granite, architecture and sculptures
The Museo del Granito explores the history of granite quarrying in Quintana de la Serena. A self-guided tour includes explanatory panels, tools and photographic exhibitions. The panels explain the subject, the tools illustrate its practical side, and the photographs complement the tour with images. Following its reopening, the museum received a completely renewed design that is more educational, interactive, immersive and accessible. Check current access arrangements before your visit.
The museum is housed in a former posada (inn). The building is considered one of the finest examples of stately residential architecture in the La Serena district and is believed to have been built between the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century. Alongside the history of granite quarrying, the building that houses the museum also offers a glimpse into the area’s architecture.
Quintana de la Serena’s roundabouts and promenades feature an outdoor exhibition of sculptures made from Gris Quintana granite. The works were created by stonemasons from Quintana. The display is spread across various outdoor locations. Una Piedra sobre otra is considered a unique natural monument and a landmark of the cultural association of the same name in Quintana de la Serena.
Sacred buildings and cultural heritage
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Milagros dates from the late 15th century. Juan de Zúñiga, the last master of the Order of Alcántara, commissioned it. The Ermita de los Mártires lies outside the town and dates from the 17th century. The different periods in which they were built give these two religious buildings distinct historical contexts.
The Pinturas esquemáticas de San José are located in a quartzite cavity. They depict human figures in a procession. Near Quintana de la Serena, Hijovejo is part of a monument marking the transition to the complete Romanization of La Serena. It dates from the end of the 2nd century BC to the end of the 1st century AD.
On foot through the landscape
The SL-BA 74 Cañada Segoviana de Hijovejo is an 8.4-kilometer linear local hiking trail in Quintana de la Serena, following an out-and-back route. It starts in the town center beside the Iglesia de los Milagros and passes through a semi-steppe landscape with scattered holm oak stands, olive groves and vineyards. Its length gives you a clear idea of what to expect from the hike; check trail conditions before setting out.
There are several ways to explore the area: granite quarrying and sculpture, buildings from different centuries, cave paintings and a route through the landscape. When planning your trip, consider which of these themes interests you most.
Discover more destinations: Puebla De Alcocer, Burguillos, La Garrovilla, Santa Amalia, Segura De LeĂłn, Don Alvaro, Casas de Don Pedro, Granja de Torrehermosa
For the regional travel overview: Badajoz.
