Llerena
Llerena is the most important town in the Campiña Sur area, in the south of the province of Badajoz. Declared a site of historical and artistic interest, it offers visitors a host of monuments representative of its exciting history. In the surrounding area, the Natural Monument of the Jayona Mine, the spectacular shrine of Nuestra Señora del Ara or the Roman theatre of Casas de Reina complete a trip full of images to remember.
Highlights
"La Jayona" Mine
This old iron mine is classified as a Natural Monument. It is located in the mountains of the town of Fuente del Arco, in the southeast of the province of Badajoz. Its environmental recovery has generated an extremely beautiful habitat of great geological, ecological and cultural interest.
Roman Theatre of Regina
The remains of the Roman town of Regina Turdulorum are located in the town of Casas de Reina, ten minutes away from Llerena. It was established in the 1st century AD, and is remarkable for the well-preserved Roman theatre and forum, of great value.
Arab Castle
Declared a historical and artistic monument, the Alcazaba is located in the town of Reina, 10 kilometres from Llerena. This fortress was raised by the Muslims and inherited by the Christians, forming part of the Order of Santiago. Inside, moreover, there is a 15th-century shrine.
Campiña Sur stargazing lookout
This lookout, which is accessible from Alcazaba de Reina, includes a large star map, illuminated from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am during the spring and summer, as an aid to observation and recognition of our spectacular night sky.
Monesterio
Half an hour away from the Hospedería we find the town of Monesterio, located in the Sierra de Tentudia and famous for its historical monuments, the Ham Museum and its celebration of the "Día del Jamón", or Ham Day, declared a regional interest tourism event.
Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Ara
Considered the Sistine Chapel of Extremadura, this shrine was built over the 14th century and contains a variety of frescos representing biblical scenes on its walls and vaults. The highlights are the beautiful Mudéjar arches and the bell gable.
Monastery of Tentudia
In the town of Calera de León, a little over half an hour away from the Hospedería, stands the monastery of Nuestra Señora de Tentudia, built in commemoration of a victory over the Arabs.
Rey Jayón route
A popular hike through the Campiña Sur area, in what is a perfect combination of nature and heritage. This moderately difficult route passes the Natural Monument of the Jayona Mine (Fuente del Arco), the Arab castle in Reina, the Roman town of Regina (Casas de Reina) and the monumental town of Llerena.
Gastronomic Monument
In late June the Gastronomic Monument is held, accompanied by a large medieval market. This event merges gastronomy, art and culture in Mudéjar courtyards and outstanding settings of our historical and artistic heritage.
Hawking and Falconry
Declared Intangible Cultural World Heritage by UNESCO, falconry unites us to the past, especially in communities where this art represents one of the last links to the natural environment and traditional culture.
Educational pig slaughter
Every March, Llerena town council organizes the "Matanza Didáctica Extremeña y Feria del Embutido", which is held in the Plaza Mayor, where one can taste the different pork cuts after seasoning, accompanied by a giant "cocido" typical of Extremadura.