Discover Montijo: History, Trails and Festivals

Montijo offers a glimpse into the town’s long history through the Villa Romana de Torreáguila: in the vicinity of the town of Barbaño, within the municipality of Montijo, lies the Roman settlement, which was in use from the 1st to the 8th century AD. Its central peristyle courtyard, with stately rooms and baths, faces an area devoted to economic activities, with presses, cisterns and storage rooms.

When comparing a holiday apartment in Montijo, you can compare travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective offer pages and match this information against the cultural, nature and festival themes that are important to you.

More destinations

More destinations: Monterrubio de la Serena, Corte De Peleas, La Roca De La Sierra, Zafra, Monesterio, Azuaga, Herrera Del Duque, Valencia De Las Torres

Culture and history

The Convento de Santa Clara was completed in 1691 and elevated in 1704 to a Poor Clare convent under the patronage of Our Lord of the Pasmo. The convent preserves a crucifix by Juan de Juni as well as a work by Luis de Morales depicting Christ carrying the cross.

The Casa del Navegante was built in the mid-19th century and is one of Montijo’s larger civil buildings. Its façade is neoclassical, with Baroque influences. Construction of the Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol began in the late 15th century; in the mid-16th century, the central nave received a Gothic vault. The three-part main altarpiece depicts apostles, evangelists and Doctors of the Church.

The Ermita de Jesús Nazareno was founded in the late 17th or early 18th century; attached to the chapel was a hospital for poor people and travellers. It preserves Baroque works of art as well as polychrome tiles from the 18th-century Triana potteries on the steps of the presbytery.

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Barbaño was built by the Order of Santiago between the 13th and 15th centuries and is located near the Guadiana River. The Colección Museográfica Comunidad de Labradores Antonia Gómez Quintana includes collections of stuffed animals, plant specimens, minerals and electrical devices; the building also houses the Oficina de Turismo.

The Ermita de San Gregorio is believed to have been built in the 18th century by livestock keepers in honour of their patron saint, San Gregorio Oscense. San Gregorio Oscense was invoked against locust plagues.

Nature and trails

The Aula de la Naturaleza on the Finca Municipal Las Cabezas includes traditional huts, a rustic house, a viewpoint and a pond. The Embalse de los Canchales is considered a regular fishing spot. The visitor route at the Villa Romana de Torreáguila features interpretive signage, gently sloping ramps and viewing platforms to improve physical and cognitive accessibility.

The Ruta de los Arenales begins in Montijo along a drovers’ road that formed part of a branch of the Cañada Real Soriana Occidental and thus of the network of transhumance routes. The Laguna de las Encantás route includes La Puentecilla, a small medieval bridge, as well as the remains of brick and roof-tile kilns in the Dehesa El Encinar.

Festivals throughout the year

The Romería de San Blas is celebrated on 3 February on the Cerro de San Gregorio beside the chapel of the same name. Families traditionally sample products from the most recent home slaughter. The Velá de San Antonio takes place on the night of 12 June, the eve of the feast of Saint Anthony.

During Semana Santa, visitors can watch processions, including the Encuentro held in the Plaza de España on Easter Sunday. The Traída y Despedida de la Virgen de Barbaño takes place on 28 August and the first Sunday in October: the revered image is brought from the pilgrimage church in Barbaño to Montijo and later returned there.

Since 1880, the Thomas family had been caretakers of Saint Anthony; a novena and the Ramo de San Antonio are celebrated in connection with the Convento de San Antonio.

For the main travel overview: Badajoz.