Don Álvaro – Churches, Mills and Craftsmanship

Don Álvaro can be explored through tangible traces of its architectural and local history. The parish church of Santa María Magdalena originally dates from the 15th century; its chancel features a distinctive octagonal dome. Inside, two reused abaci carved from marble have been preserved as holy-water stoups.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Don Álvaro, compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the respective offer pages. These three factors can be considered at your leisure together with the cultural, natural and route-related highlights planned for your trip.

Culture and Townscape

The older religious architecture includes the Ermita de San Bernabé, a 13th-century building that belonged to the Templars of the Order of Santiago. Historically, the hermitage is also associated with Don Álvaro de Luna, who was Grand Master of the Order of Santiago. It is located 2 km from Don Álvaro on the road of the same name leading to San Bernabé. The so-called Piedras de Sangre along this route are reddish stones with characteristic markings.

The townscape of Don Álvaro includes paved streets, very white houses, narrow lanes and old palace-like houses. The Fuente del Pilar is located within the municipal area. It has a very ancient origin and is considered an inexhaustible spring even during periods of summer drought. Beneath the Plazuela del Pilar is a cistern structure connected to the Fuente del Pilar.

History and Mills

With Don Álvaro's separation from the Villa de Mérida in 1593, its history as the villa of Don Álvaro de Luna began. Don Álvaro's documentary heritage includes 53 digitized documents; these records can be viewed online by the general public and consulted publicly.

The Molino de la Aceña lies on the right bank of the Guadiana. It had two pairs of millstones; the year 1873 is inscribed in the mortar on its eastern façade. The Molino de la Dehesa was restored around 2006. It is a water-powered mill with two millstones.

Nature along the Guadiana

The natural surroundings of Don Álvaro are home to a diverse range of native flora and fauna within the Guadiana ecosystem. Around Don Álvaro, mountains, dehesas and waterways offer panoramic landscapes and views of sunsets. The surroundings of the Guadiana near Don Álvaro include the mouth of the San Bernabé stream.

Barbel, carp, pike, boga, crucian carp, catfish and crayfish are among the fish and other species caught in the Guadiana near Don Álvaro.

Crafts, Cuisine and Festivals

In Don Álvaro, embroideries, lace and braids are made by hand; the skills are passed down from generation to generation. Local craftspeople also make ploughs, jugs and other ceramic pieces by hand.

The traditional cuisine of Don Álvaro includes a wide selection of pork products, artisan-prepared dishes and homemade pastries. The festival in honour of San Bernabé takes place on 11 June and includes a procession from the hermitage into the town. The festival in honour of Santa María Magdalena takes place on 22 July.

Routes and Regional Exploration

One suggested route leads from Don Álvaro to Don Benito. In addition, a rural path prepared for public use connects the centre of Don Álvaro with the Molino de la Aceña; it is 1.5 km long.

Other Places

Herrera Del Duque, Valencia De Las Torres, Zalamea De La Serena, La Zarza, Santa Amalia, Risco, Garbayuela, Feria

For the overarching travel overview: Badajoz.