The Castillo de Villalba de los Barros, also known as Castillo de la Vaguada, represents the town’s architectural history: it was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural, BIC) in the Archaeological Zone category and is considered an important historical and archaeological complex. The parish church, a rural chapel, a reservoir, and a winery add several other, distinctly different points of interest.
The Castle and Its Architectural History
The stone structure was built in 1418 under Don Gómez Suárez de Figueroa on a level settlement site above an earlier Arab fortification. The complex includes an outer square barbican and a higher inner defensive area arranged around a narrow arms courtyard. Particularly striking features are the square keep and the attached semicircular towers. Together, these elements give the castle a clearly defined architectural layout, offering a story that can be traced from the earlier history of fortification to the forms of the later structure.
Churches and Montevirgen
The Iglesia parroquial de la Purificación offers a different architectural emphasis. Originally built in the 16th century, the Gothic church has a single-nave layout, an octagonal apse, and ribbed vaulting. Chapels between the buttresses add to the church interior. The parish church also houses a 13th-century Gothic image of Nuestra Señora de Montevirgen.
Outside the town lies the Ermita de Montevirgen, a rural chapel in a natural setting. Its single-nave body, vaulted chancel, CamarĂn, and atrium distinguish its architectural form from that of the parish church. During a stay, you can therefore explore different religious and architectural connections without treating the two buildings as identical.
Embalse Villalba de los Barros: Landscape and Access
Embalse Villalba de los Barros lies on the Guadajira, a tributary of the Guadiana. Nature and water define the surroundings of the reservoir. Access is via a stony track; the drive from the town takes about 20 minutes, and you need to drive slowly along the way. As road conditions can change, it is advisable to check the route before your visit.
One other practical point matters when planning your visit: there are few services within a 20-minute radius of the Embalse. Take the limited availability of services into account if you plan to spend time by the water. The reservoir therefore calls for a different kind of planning than the buildings in town: the condition of the access road and the limited services are part of the practical decision.
Wine, Festivals, and Local Cuisine
CastĂşo Wines is based in Villalba de los Barros and offers winery tours. The tour begins with work in the vineyard and covers winemaking, aging, and bottling. This is followed by a wine tasting with an aperitif made from local products. If you are interested not only in tasting wine but also in how it is made, the tour brings both together.
The Virgen de Montevirgen is the patron saint of Villalba de los Barros; her festival is celebrated each year on September 7 and 8. The exact program may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your stay around these dates, check the latest festival dates and program details. Local cuisine includes Uñas de gato, homemade sweets made with almonds and eggs.
Hiking: The First Edition of the Ruta Senderista por el Guadajira
The first edition of the Ruta Senderista por el Guadajira started at the former 16th-century Convento de Montevirgen, in the municipality of Villalba de los Barros. It followed a 10-kilometer section of a path running parallel to the river; the longer route connects three towns. The 10 kilometers refers to the section covered in this edition, not the entire route.
This first edition also identified 23 points of interest. Virtual tours were planned for four places along the route, accessible via QR codes.
Discover more destinations: Segura De LeĂłn, Puebla De Alcocer, Helechosa De Los Montes, Fregenal De La Sierra, La Parra, Cheles, Granja de Torrehermosa, Don Alvaro.
For the broader travel overview: Badajoz.
