Santa Amalia between Cultural Heritage and River Landscape

Santa Amalia combines a recognized cultural heritage site with a distinctive river landscape. The parish church was recognized in 2014 as a cultural heritage site in the Monumento category and as a Bien de Interés Cultural. At the same time, Santa Amalia is located in the Vega del Guadiana between the banks of the Búrdalo and Cagánchez rivers, which are considered attractive for birdwatching.

Culture

The parish church is a neoclassical and academic building and stands on the Plaza de España. Santa Amalia was founded in 1827 by one hundred colonists from Don Benito. The original town plan followed a regular grid: eight streets extended from a central square.

Festivals

Holy Week includes the traditional procession El Encuentro y La Carrerita. The Festividad de San Isidro, held annually on 15 May, proceeds in a procession from the parish church to the hermitage; riders, floats and decorated carts accompany it. The patron saint festivities of Santa Amalia take place on 10 July. La Velada, the patron saint festival of Santa Amalia, is celebrated from 9 to 11 July with a procession in honor of the patron saint, nighttime verbenas, and leisure and sporting activities. The Fiestas del Emigrante take place every year in August and honor the families from Santa Amalia who had to leave their homeland in search of progress and prosperity. Carnival includes costumes, groups singing coplas, parades and street festivals. The Semana Cultural de Santa Amalia began in 1980 and consisted of a seven-day series of leisure, cultural and sporting activities.

Cuisine

Culinary traditions are also part of the town's character. Ajilimoje is a typical dish from Santa Amalia made with meat, liver, bacon and pork ear; it is served with olives and hot chili peppers. In addition, El Tomate en la Cocina takes place annually in Santa Amalia, a national competition for professional chefs and culinary students.

Nature

The Charca de Santa Amalia consists of two large artificial lagoons formerly known as Laguna de los Hornos. The body of water is used for sport fishing and managed by a local anglers' association. Paths, planted areas and wooden walkways provide access through the wetland.

Routes

The Camino Mozárabe reaches Santa Amalia via Calle Madroñero and continues to the Plaza de España. Santa Amalia is also an alternative route on a stage of the Camino Mozárabe in the direction of Torrefresneda. After leaving Santa Amalia, the route reaches the Río Búrdalo after approximately 2 kilometers and then continues along the riverbank for approximately another 2 kilometers. The Camino Romano is a 155-kilometer linear route divided into seven stages. Santa Amalia is one of the municipalities listed along the Camino Romano. Different route types and lengths can be compared separately for personal planning.

Other places: Valdelacalzada, Medina de las Torres, La Bazana, Mengabril, Medellín, Fregenal De La Sierra, Calamonte, Aceuchal

To the main travel overview: Badajoz.