A granite church, a stately home museum, minerals and historic festivals give Villanueva De La Serena a varied cultural character. Along the ZĂşjar River and in the dehesas, the landscape takes centre stage, including a wintering area for cranes. There are several ways to plan your trip: focus on architectural history and collections, enjoy nature, or visit during an event.
Architectural history shaped by granite and the history of the military orders
The Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is built of granite in the Herrerian style. Its present appearance dates from a rebuilding in 1608; the tower was completed in 1634. In 2021, the church was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC). Its materials, architectural style and two dates offer concrete points of reference for understanding its history.
Other buildings also reflect very different periods and styles. The Casa de la Tercia was built in 1310 and housed the Mesa Maestral of the Order of Alcántara. The building is currently undergoing restoration. If you are considering a visit, check in advance whether access is possible. The Monasterio de San Benito, also known as the Palacio Prioral, was commissioned in 1494 by Juan de Zúñiga y Pimentel, Grand Master of the Order of Alcántara.
The Casa Consistorial combines a reported date with distinctive architectural features: according to the coat of arms above the entrance, it was partially completed in 1583. The lower level contains an arcaded courtyard with three large round arches resting on Ionic columns; a continuous balcony runs along the upper floor. At the Casa de los Bolos, the façade explains the name: spherical granite balls sit on the upper floor, and the coat of arms of the Mendoza family is above the main entrance. The Edificio La Jabonera, meanwhile, is considered an example of 19th-century industrial architecture.
Museums and collections
The Centro MuseĂstico Charo Acero houses three collections in a stately home dating from the late 19th century. The building was first a private residence and later served as the town’s Cámara Agraria for many years. The collections are therefore connected to the building’s changing uses.
The collection at the Museo de MineralogĂa de Villanueva de la Serena comprises around 2,000 rock and mineral specimens, mainly from Extremadura and Spain. JosĂ© Antonio Garrido donated the collection and had collected the specimens himself. The Museo del Traje “ColecciĂłn Eduardo Acero” focuses on something different: it contains 35 wedding dresses from the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors comparing collections will find both natural materials and historic clothing here.
River landscapes and trails
Nearby is Playa de EntrerrĂos, a river beach on the ZĂşjar. EntrerrĂos is a smaller local administrative unit belonging to Villanueva De La Serena, in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura. The beach area includes a swimming area, picnic spots and walking trails. The Villanueva–EntrerrĂos route follows the ZĂşjar to the beach, passing through vegetation along a rocky path. The route also follows a canal before continuing along a cycle path.
Another way to enjoy nature is the Camino Natural VĂa Verde Vegas del Guadiana. It connects Villanueva De La Serena with Logrosán and provides access to an important crane wintering area in the dehesas. Cranes are specifically a winter attraction here; the river beach and its trails offer a different way to experience the landscape. If you are planning your trip around your nature interests, you can take these different highlights into account when choosing your dates and planning your days.
Festivals and event dates
La Carrerita takes place on Easter Sunday. By an order dated 6 March 2007, the festival was recognised as a Fiesta de InterĂ©s TurĂstico de Extremadura. The Easter date is therefore an important point of reference for planning a trip.
The Feria de la Tortilla de Patatas programme includes stalls and tastings, competitions for professionals and gastronomic galas. Pequechef workshops are for children: they learn about the essential ingredients and make their own tortilla de patatas. The Festival Internacional de Teatro de Calle lasts three days and brings national and international theatre companies to Villanueva De La Serena. Before travelling, check the festival dates and the programme for the next Feria edition so you can plan your stay around the events you want to attend.
Discover more destinations: Fuente De Cantos, Malpartida de la Serena, Quintana De La Serena, Valdecaballeros, Don Benito, Acedera, Mirandilla, Talarrubias.
For the broader travel overview: Badajoz.
