Zalamea de la Serena – Culture, History and Nature

In Zalamea de la Serena stands the Dístilo, an almost 25-metre-high funerary monument with two columns on a high pedestal. In 1961, it was restored as a freestanding monument, thereby regaining its original appearance. This structure alone brings together a monumental form and a clearly dated period of its history.

Culture and History

Cancho Roano is a Tartessian monumental sanctuary in Zalamea de la Serena that has survived to this day in an exceptionally good state of preservation. The archaeological site dates from the 5th century BC. The main building is known as the Cancho Roano sanctuary palace and has a U-shaped floor plan with eleven rooms. The Cancho Roano visitor centre is located directly opposite the archaeological monument.

The Castillo de Arribalavilla was the site of the palace of Juan de Zúñiga, the last grand master of the Order of Alcántara, as well as the famous Literary Academy. A church building features proto-Gothic portals. An aqueduct from the same period carries water to one of the oldest irrigation areas in La Serena. The historic sights therefore bring together different types of construction: funerary monument, sanctuary, palace, church building and waterworks. This sequence shows how varied the historical remains in Zalamea de la Serena are.

Festivals and Sightseeing

“El Alcalde de Zalamea” is performed every year in the second half of August in Zalamea de la Serena. The festival is recognised as a “Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional” (Festival of National Tourist Interest). The festival includes processions of the Flemish tercios, a Golden Age market, demonstrations of historic crafts and street theatre. The programme combines historical re-enactments with various forms of public performance.

The Zalamea de la Serena tourist office offers guided tours throughout the year by prior appointment.

Nature and Trails

The Zalamea reservoir is also known locally as “La Charca”. A route can be completed on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback; birdwatching is possible along this route. Nature-based activities and birdwatching are therefore part of the same route, while “La Charca” is the reservoir’s additional name.

The topics brought together in Zalamea de la Serena form two clearly distinct focal points: the archaeological and historic sites focus on monuments, architectural forms and documented periods; the route at the reservoir combines a landscape name with several modes of transport and birdwatching. This range is complemented by the festival held at a set time of year and the tours arranged by appointment.

More Destinations

More destinations for your research: Quintana De La Serena, Higuera De Vargas, Ribera Del Fresno, Llerena, Benquerencia De La Serena, Aceuchal, Mengabril and Monterrubio de la Serena.

To the main travel overview: Badajoz.