Almendralejo: Wine, Cava and Cultural Heritage

Almendralejo combines the history of wine and Cava with archaeological remains, religious art and a protected habitat for birds. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to the city, these varied themes can help you decide what interests you most while you are there: production methods and tasting, architectural history or enjoying the natural surroundings.

Wine and Cava on display and in production

The Museo de las Ciencias del Vino is housed in the former Alcoholera Extremeña, an alcohol factory dating from the mid-20th century. The exhibits include the building’s original wine and alcohol containers. Permanent exhibitions explore the history of wine and its production processes, complemented by interactive areas. The vineyard garden is home to various grape varieties grown in Extremadura. There is also the opportunity to sample a glass of wine.

The Museo del Cava displays the first Cava bottles produced in 1982. The history of production can also be explored at Bodegas Vía de la Plata: its facilities were where the first bottle of Cava from Extremadura was made. The winery has been producing Cava by hand using the traditional method since 1985. Visitors can learn about the production process bottle by bottle and take part in the “Degüello” technique. If you plan to take part, confirm this when arranging your visit. The exhibition, production methods and opportunity to taste each offer a different perspective on wine and Cava.

Architectural history and works of art

The Palacio de Monsalud dates from 1752. Its floor plan is arranged around a central courtyard, decorated with wrought iron and tiles from Talavera and Seville. Visits in the afternoon and on Saturdays require an appointment with the tourist office; check the visiting arrangements in advance. The Convento de San Antonio houses the Colección Monsalud, with around 80 pieces from Roman, Visigothic and Arab times. Its approximate size and the range of periods represented offer another way to explore the history of the area.

The religious buildings also preserve a variety of historical traces. The Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Purificación was built in the 16th century on the foundations of a 15th-century hermitage. Its frescoes date from 1948 and were created by the Italian painters Giovanni Gritti, Ottavio Bernardi and Emilio Nembrini. The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Piedad is located in Parque de la Piedad and has three Baroque altarpieces from the 18th century. They were carved and gilded by Isidro Bayón de Fuentes del Maestre. The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Piedad is a 16th-century religious building protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural.

Archaeology and theatre

The prehistoric tomb of Huerta Montero is more than 4,600 years old. In the 3rd millennium BC, during the Copper Age, it was used as a communal tomb and place of worship. Its alignment allows sunlight to enter the burial chamber on the winter solstice; this phenomenon is interpreted as an offering to the deceased. Huerta Montero is closed and opens by prior arrangement with the tourist office. You must book at least 24 hours in advance. As visiting arrangements may change, check the procedure again before your visit.

The Teatro Carolina Coronado was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category in 1995. In 2004, it was restored as a theatre, with its interior reconstructed to bring it closer to its original appearance. You must arrange an appointment in advance through the tourist office to visit. Keep this access requirement in mind when planning, and check the arrangements again beforehand.

Bird protection in the city

Almendralejo has an urban ZEPA bird protection area associated with the conservation of the lesser kestrel. Birding Almendralejo has a viewing area with a viewing installation that allows visitors to observe the colony without disturbing its breeding. If this interests you, the viewing area offers a different focus from the museums and historic buildings. Check the facility’s status before your visit.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Navalvillar De Pela, Montemolín, Santa Marta, Herrera Del Duque, Cordobilla de Lácara, Medellín, Zafra, Monesterio.

Go to the main travel overview: Badajoz.