Discover Medina de las Torres – Contributa Iulia, Churches and Dehesa

Medina de las Torres combines Roman heritage, ecclesiastical art, vibrant traditions and landscapes around the Rivera Atarja. Contributa Iulia, a Roman city designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the archaeological zone category, is located in the town. It is also one of the significant sites along the Vía de la Plata, whose route is lined with numerous historical remains that bear witness to the historical importance of this route.

History and Archaeology

Various structures, buildings and roads have been preserved at the Contributa Iulia site. The visible areas include a forum with private and public sections. The basilica of Contributa Iulia is considered the largest basilica discovered to date on the Iberian Peninsula. Archaeological excavations at Castillo de la Encomienda have revealed a chronological sequence from the 14th century to the present day. On site, the complex is known as “Torre de los Moros”.

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Coronada dates from the 15th century and was built of stone and brick. It is the only surviving example of its type among the eight chapels of the Order of Santiago originally located in Medina de las Torres. The parish church of Nuestra Señora del Camino also preserves visible depictions of the coat of arms or insignia of the Order of Santiago both inside and outside. The church contains an altarpiece from 1540, attributed to the Flemish painter Estacio de Bruselas.

The Ermita del Stmo. Cristo del Humilladero features a portico, a nave with groin vaults, a small dome and a three-lobed arch. Through this arch, the image of Cristo del Humilladero can be seen.

Visiting and Interpretation

The Contributa Iulia archaeological site is closed; visits must be arranged in advance by calling 669851332. Accessible monuments can be visited independently, with visitors able to use audio guides. From Monday to Friday, a professional guided tour can be booked in advance by calling 669 851 332.

Contributa Lúdica combines guided tours of the Roman city with educational workshops, tastings, exhibitions, talks, theatrical performances, markets, historical re-enactments and concerts. The Contributa Iulia Interpretation Centre offers educational workshops for groups, schools and secondary educational institutions. Birdwatching activities are also available in Medina de las Torres.

Landscape and Trails

A diverse range of wildlife can be observed along the Rivera Atarja and the Río Bodión. This includes herons, spoonbills, shelducks, wildcats, mongooses and genets. West of Medina de las Torres lies a dehesa, regarded as an ecologically, economically and socially valuable ecosystem and as an example of coexistence between people and nature.

Hiking and cycling routes invite visitors to experience the nature around the Rivera Atarja, with its notable flora and fauna. The local association “Katiuskas Bike” organises mountain-biking routes on roads and trails, combining nature experiences with sport. For cycle tourists, there is a bicycle repair station at the intersection of Avenida Puebla Sancho Pérez and Avenida de Zafra.

The Camino de Santiago runs through the centre of Medina de las Torres and is signposted locally with pavement markers and arrows. This places historical route connections and routes through the landscape side by side, while the aforementioned activities represent different ways of exploring the area.

Traditions and Regional Products

The Carnival of Medina de las Torres is a local tradition that has developed over a long period and been maintained without interruption. The programme includes a children’s parade, gastronomic days featuring typical dishes such as carnival soup and grilled sardines, games, the traditions of “los mascarones” and “el Judas”, and a large festive parade. A religious programme in honour of the Virgin also takes place in September.

Products grown and made in Medina de las Torres include wine, olive oil, bread and homemade confectionery; these products can also be purchased there. Wine tourism is also part of the offerings in Medina de las Torres. The Ruta del Aceite provides an opportunity to visit an olive oil mill and learn about the olive oil production process. Its listed stops include the “Las Torres” olive oil mill and the Medina-Oliva Stmo. Cristo del Humilladero Cooperative.

More destinations

More places in the same destination:

Campanario, Monterrubio de la Serena, Ribera Del Fresno, San Vicente De Alcántara, Montemolín, Navalvillar De Pela, Quintana De La Serena.

To the overview of the higher-level destination: Badajoz.