Benquerencia De La Serena: Discover the Castle, Church and GR-115

Benquerencia De La Serena offers several distinct points of interest for planning your trip: the Arab castle with its far-reaching views across the landscape, the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Neolithic depictions at Abrigo de las Calderas, and the GR-115 long-distance hiking route. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first decide whether architectural history, archaeology or hiking will be the focus of your stay.

The Castle, Architectural History and Landscape

The castle of Benquerencia is an Arab fortification that was later rebuilt by the Knights of the Order of Alcántara. This sequence gives you two historical points of reference: the Arab fortification and its later reconstruction by the Order. The castle can therefore be understood both through its origins and its later architectural history.

The path leading up to the castle has been developed despite its elevated position. The castle offers far-reaching views across the landscape. This means that its architectural history is not the only point of interest when planning a visit: its elevated position and the views also shape the experience of the castle.

The Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción dates from the 16th century and is built of rubble masonry, brick and granite blocks. Its popular-style Gothic portal is decorated with ball ornaments. The date and materials describe the church building, while the portal adds a specific decorative feature. You can therefore place the church in its historical period and also appreciate a particular design detail.

Neolithic Depictions at Abrigo de las Calderas

Abrigo de las Calderas contains Neolithic depictions in white, ochre and reddish tones. They show animals and people. The colors and motifs offer two points of interest: the figures depicted and their use of color. The shelter therefore offers a different focus from the castle and church: here, prehistoric imagery takes precedence over architectural history.

There are information panels near the shelter. Protected by a metal fence, the shelter is accessible; conditions may change. Check access before your visit so you can plan accordingly.

Planning Your Hike on the GR-115

The GR-115 Transerena is a 96-kilometer linear long-distance hiking route that passes through the municipality of Benquerencia De La Serena. The same route is also known as Cordel de la Senda del Rey; both names refer to the same trail. The figure of 96 kilometers describes the long-distance route as a whole, while its passage through the municipality connects it to Benquerencia De La Serena.

Check the route before setting out. For trip planning, this hiking option differs from the cultural attractions: on the GR-115, the route’s course is key, while the castle, church and shelter each appeal for their architectural history or imagery.

Discover more destinations: Olivenza, Ribera Del Fresno, Talarrubias, Bienvenida, Fuentes De León, Helechosa De Los Montes, Casas de Don Pedro, Siruela

For the broader travel overview: Badajoz.