Badajoz
Badajoz (formerly Badajos), the capital of the Spanish province of Badajoz in the autonomous community of Extremadura, is situated close to the Portuguese frontier, on the left bank of the river Guadiana, and the Madrid-Lisbon railway. The population in 1990 was 126,781; in 2002 it was 136,851.
Badajoz is the see of a bishop. It occupies a slight eminence, crowned by the ruins of a Moorish castle, and overlooking the Guadiana. A strong wall and bastions, with a broad moat and outworks, and forts on the surrounding heights, give the city an appearance of great strength.
The river, which flows between the castle-hill and the powerfully armed fort of San Cristobal, is crossed by a magnificent granite bridge, originally built in 1460, repaired in 1597 and rebuilt in 1833. The whole aspect of Badajoz recalls its stormy history; even the cathedral, built in 1238, resembles a fortress, with massive embattled walls.
History
Owing to its position the city enjoys a considerable transit trade with Portugal; its other industries include the manufacture of linen, woollen and leather goods, and of pottery.
It is not mentioned by any Roman historian, and first rose to importance under Moorish rule. In 1031 it became the capital of a small Moorish kingdom (Emirate of Badajoz), and, though temporarily held by the Portuguese in 1168, it retained its independence until 1229; when it was captured by Alfonso IX of Castile and León.
As a frontier fortress it underwent many sieges. It was beleaguered by the Portuguese in 1660, and in 1705 by the Allies in the War of the Spanish Succession. During the Peninsular War Badajoz was unsuccessfully attacked by the French in 1808 and 1809; but on March 10, 1811, the Spanish commander, José Imaz, was bribed into surrendering to the French force under Marshal Soult. A British army, commanded by Marshal Beresford, endeavoured to retake it, and on May 16, 1811 defeated a relieving force at Albuera, but the siege was abandoned in June.
The Storming of Badajoz, 1812
In 1812, Duke of Wellington again attempted to take Badajoz, which had a French garrison of about 5,000 men. Siege operations commenced on March 16 , and by early April there were three practicable breaches in the walls. These were assaulted by 2 British divisions April 6, 1812 The attacks were pressed with great gallantry for 5 hours but repeatedly beaten back with heavy loss. Meanwhile the castle, and another section of undamaged wall had been attacked by escalade, and successfully taken by the British. At the cost of some 5,000 casualties, Wellington had succeeded in taking Badajoz. He wrote to Lord Liverpool “The capture of Badajoz affords as strong an instance of the gallantry of our troops as has ever been displayed, but I anxiously hope that I shall never again be the instrument of putting them to such a test as that to which they were put last night” ((However, the storming of San Sebastian in 1813 was much like Badajoz))
In the Siege of Badajoz, a detachtment of the 45th Regiment (later algamated with the 95th to form Sherwood Foresters Regiment)succeeded in getting into the castle first and the red coatee of Lt. James MacPherson of the 45th was hoisted in place of the French flag to indicate the fall of the castle. This feat is commemorated on the 6th April each year when red jackets are flown on Regimental flag staffs and at Nottingham Castle.
With the town taken, military discipline largely disappeared, and the town was subjected to two days of pillage, murder, rape and drunkenness by the British survivors. The only way to restore order was to erect the gallows and flog many soldiers
Modern History
A military and republican rising took place here in August 1883, but completely failed.
During the Spanish Civil War, Badajoz was taken by the Nationalists. A number of Republican prisoners were executed in the bullring.
Famous Sons
Badajoz is the birthplace of the statesman Manuel de Godoy, the Duke of Alcudia (1767—1851), and of the painter Luis de Morales. Two pictures by Morales, unfortunately retouched in modern times, are preserved in the cathedral.
Villages
Alburquerque is a small village in the province of Badajoz. Its name became the name of the city of Albuquerque of United States by the Spanish conquerors.
This article incorporates text from the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, which is in the public domain.
Badajoz tourism and travel information
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Getting Around
Information and City Ratings from Katie Wood’s Fly Europe: The Complete Guide to Budget Airline Destinations
Cheap flights to Badajoz Talaveral are easier to find with the arrival of the budget airline phenomenon. Europe and Australasia have become a lot smaller for everyone. With all of these airlines battling for your custom, this can only be good news for you, the customer. Airline tickets being offered for next to nothing where you only pay the taxes, are now common place. This means that you can travel to some of the most beautiful cities for less money than it costs for a return rail trip.
BADAJOZ ATTRACTIONS
Palacio de los Duques de Feria – Built in the 14th century the palace is now the Provincial Archaeological Museum. It is worth a visit both for its architecture and its exhibits..
The Roman Town – The historic centre of the city is full of fabulous Roman remains, which are among the most important in Spain. They include a triumphal arch, a magnificent bridge, an aqueduct, a theatre with beautiful marble columns and much more..
Aquatic Park – Lusiberia. After a visit to the historic old town try the marvellous aquatic park. The facilities there should help you cool down..
Ferias de San Juan – This fiesta is usually held for a week during June 24. If you like to dance, drink, eat and meet a lot of new people then this is the place for you..
Convento de las Adoratrices – The convent was built in the 14th century. It has an exquisite, small convent church.
BADAJOZ RESTAURANTS
La Alacena de Rio, Rio Hotel – Avda Adolfo Diaz Ambrona 13. You can enjoy the best regional and international cuisine at this restaurant.
La Cazuela, Confortel Badajoz Hotel – Centra Nacional V . This is a sophisticated restaurant that offers both “a la carte” and special menus from Monday to Friday The open-air terrace is a lovely place to have a buffet breakfast.
Barcelo Zurbaran Badajoz – Paseo Castelar SN. The restaurant in this hotel is very comfortable and prides itself on its international cuisine and regional dishes using local produce.
Zafra Parador – Lunch in the marble courtyard is one of the pleasures this restaurant has to offer. The hotel and its restaurant are well thought of by their customers
BADAJOZ BARS & CLUBS
Confortel Badajoz Hotel Bar- Carretera Nacional V, This hotel has a sophisticated bar with a relaxed ambience.
El Badaboom – Plaza del Pirulo, S/N. This lively bar welcomes gay travellers as well as locals. It plays excellent music and is open until 5.30 am Thursdays to Saturdays.
La Alacena de Rio, Rio Hotel – Avda Adolfo Diaz Ambrona 13. The hotel bar is very comfortable and stocks a wide range of drinks.