Puebla De La Calzada: Culture and Nature on the Guadiana

In Puebla De La Calzada stands the Palacio del Marqués de la Vega, built between 1904 and 1911, which combines neoclassical stylistic elements with colonial influences. A stroll through Puebla De La Calzada is considered an opportunity to get to know the local culture, traditions and folk festivals.

Culture and History

Following restoration, the Palacio now houses CEIP Calzada Romana; at the same time, it continues to be used for educational purposes and preserved as cultural heritage. The town's architectural attractions also include the Colegio del Carmen. The Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación contains a Gothic baptismal font with Santiago motifs.

The Ermita de la Inmaculada Concepción was built between 1918 and 1920 and has three naves. It houses a votive painting depicting the fountain miracle that took place in 1860. On 8 December, Puebla De La Calzada celebrates the feast of the Inmaculada Concepción, the town's patron saint, with a Eucharistic celebration, a flower offering in the Plaza de España and a procession to the Ermita.

Festivals and Regional Cuisine

The Festival Nacional de Teatro “Vegas Bajas” takes place every year in autumn, has been running for more than four decades and serves as a meeting place within Puebla De La Calzada's theatre scene. In October, it includes theatre, children's theatre, workshops, exhibitions and storytelling events. Semana Santa begins with a children's procession and can include eleven pasos.

The annual Encuentro Enogastronómico Vegas Bajas in the Plaza de España brings together wineries from the Denominación de Origen Ribera del Guadiana and from other regions. Local culinary traditions include Migas, Gazpacho Extremeño, lamb stew and Cocido Extremeño. This selection is complemented by traditional sweets such as Perrunillas, Bollos de Chicharrones and Mantecados.

The combination of architectural history, festivals and regional cuisine offers different focuses for trip planning, while the river landscape adds its own natural accent.

Further destinations:Peraleda del Zaucejo, Monterrubio de la Serena, Alburquerque, Montijo, Mengabril, Puebla De Sancho Pérez, Villafranca De Los Barros and Cabeza La Vaca.

Nature and the Guadiana

The Merendero Municipal junto al Guadiana is located on the banks of the Guadiana and has a circular path, a picnic area and a pond. It also offers shaded seating areas and spacious parking areas. The banks of the Guadiana near Puebla De La Calzada provide a habitat for birds and otters.

The GR 114 Camino Natural del Guadiana is considered a route that crosses Extremadura from east to west along the Guadiana. Along its course, diverse flora and fauna, refuges for overwintering birds, various protected areas, numerous viewpoints and beaches, as well as opportunities for sport fishing and boating, are regarded as characteristic features. The Roman road between Augusta Emerita, present-day Mérida, and Olissipo, present-day Lisbon, ran through Puebla De La Calzada and is reflected in the town's name.

For the overarching travel overview: Badajoz.