Holiday apartment in Feria: Castle, Santa Cruz and hiking trails

Feria has been designated a historic-artistic ensemble. In the historic townscape, steep, winding streets and whitewashed traditional buildings shape the appearance; they adapt to the rugged terrain.

Other places

Other places at the same destination level are Mengabril, Peraleda del Zaucejo, Valdecaballeros, Guadiana del Caudillo, Puebla de Obando, Aljucén, Ribera Del Fresno and Corte De Peleas.

History

The castle of Feria stands on a rocky promontory next to the town and has been an important defensive site since ancient times. The main complex preserved today and the existing keep date from the mid-15th century; the castle was later rebuilt several times. The keep is an example of Gothic military architecture, with a square floor plan and rounded corners.

The outer complex includes a wall that follows the irregular terrain, with cylindrical watchtowers. An inner cross wall divides the complex into two parts. During a visit, the castle tower’s four floors can be explored; the route also leads to the terrace, offering views across the Tierra de Barros. Inside the castle tower is the Centro de Interpretación del Señorío de Feria.

The castle is currently open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Culture

The Santa Cruz festival, also known as the May Crosses, is recognized as a festival of tourist interest in Extremadura and takes place in Feria on May 3. The tradition includes women and children making crosses, which are displayed in the parish church on May 2 and 3.

The main cross of the festivities remains on display all year round in the Church of San Bartolomé. The church was built in the late 15th century and is attributed to the early Gothic style. The Rincón de la Cruz was built in 1980; since then, a flower-offering ceremony has been held there every May 3.

The Santa Cruz celebration includes a flower-offering ceremony, a subsequent church service and a procession through Feria’s narrow, steep streets on May 3. “La Entrega” is a religious folk theatre play performed by local actors, with the town square of Feria serving as the venue.

The Casa Museo de la Cruz displays award-winning crosses from the Juegos Florales, a permanently displayed cross and the main figures from “La Entrega”. There is also a video exhibition about the making of the crosses, the auto sacramental “La Entrega” and the procession.

Landscape

One hiking trail offers panoramic views across the Tierra de Barros as well as views of olive groves, a washhouse and traditional Buhardas. Another wide, well-maintained hiking trail leads through olive groves and pastureland to the dam wall of the 18th-century Albuera.

To the higher-level travel overview: Badajoz.