Burguillos del Cerro – Castle, History and Nature

Burguillos del Cerro is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the category of Historic Ensemble.

Culture

The castle of Burguillos del Cerro is a square-shaped fortress with four towers at the corners and was expanded several times throughout its history. The outer wall is partially preserved and features battlements. The interior area contains four main towers and two secondary towers.

The Historic Ensemble of Burguillos del Cerro consists of a densely connected network of narrow streets and mostly single-storey, vernacular-style architecture. The 18th-century parish church of Santa María de la Encina y de San Juan has a single nave and features a Neoclassical dome as well as a tower with four sections. Since the 15th century, the Plaza Alta has been the centre of social and economic life.

The traditional cruceros mark the successive expansions of the historic town area and possess clear ethnographic value. The Crucero de la Calle San Juan is a marble cross dating from the 15th century, with a staircase and an iron cross, and is the oldest crucero in Burguillos del Cerro. One of the town's buildings dates from the 14th century and is designed in the typical Gothic style.

The Centro de Interpretación de la Arquitectura Popular presents the various forms of Extremaduran vernacular architecture and their development. The Centro de Interpretación de la Orden del Temple offers exhibitions on the history of Burguillos del Cerro. A permanent archaeological exhibition with finds from the municipality is also set up there. The Ermita del Cristo is also part of the notable cultural heritage.

Nature

The Sierra del Cordel and the mines of Burguillos del Cerro are protected as a Site of Scientific Interest. The Mina Monchi, a mine tunnel designated as open to visitors, is located in this mining area. The natural landscape of Burguillos del Cerro is characterised by dehesas as well as holm oak and cork oak forests.

Experiences and Festivals

The Ruta Monumental of Burguillos del Cerro has been adapted for all groups of the population. La Noche Templaria de San Juan brings educational, cultural and leisure activities to the historic centre and the town's notable buildings. The Feria y Fiestas de San Lorenzo includes children's events, concerts, folk dancing, theatre, exhibitions and sports activities.

The Feria del Espárrago takes place annually and includes cooking demonstrations, tastings and gastronomic competitions. The Fiestas del Santo Cristo are associated with 13 and 14 September. At the Fiesta de los Pilares, locals gather on the night of 23 June, the feast day of Saint John, at an emblematic pilón to wash their eyes; rituals involving fire and water then take place there.

Regional Cuisine

Traditional dishes from Burguillos del Cerro include Caldereta de cordero, a lamb dish. Revuelto de espárragos, a dish made with asparagus, is also part of the local cuisine.

Visitor Information

The Punto de Información Turística de Burguillos del Cerro at the Universidad Popular, Calle Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe No. 3, provides maps, local recommendations and assistance with travel planning. When searching for a holiday apartment in Burguillos, you can compare the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions of the respective offers.

More destinations: Castilblanco, La Zarza, Cabeza La Vaca, Casas de Don Pedro, Monesterio, Feria, Helechosa De Los Montes, Cheles

To the higher-level travel overview: Badajoz.