Montijo: Roman Sites, Churches and Traditions

Montijo offers various ways to plan a trip focused on history, architecture and local traditions. The Roman settlement of Villa Romana de Torreáguila, historic churches and recurring festivals each offer a different perspective. Routes and nature-related themes are also among the options you can consider when planning your trip.

Roman History and a Visitor Trail

Villa Romana de Torreáguila lies near the village of Barbaño, within the municipality of Montijo. The Roman settlement was occupied from the 1st to the 8th century AD. Its layout includes a central peristyle courtyard with residential rooms and baths, as well as an agricultural area with presses, cisterns and storage rooms. This brings out the complex’s distinct residential and economic areas.

In 2024, the regional government documented interpretive signs, gently sloping ramps and viewing platforms along the Villa’s visitor trail to improve physical and cognitive accessibility. If these conditions are important for your plans, check the trail’s current condition before visiting.

Another historical account concerns the Ermita de San Gregorio: it is believed to have been built in the 18th century by livestock farmers in honor of their patron saint, San Gregorio Oscense. The saint was invoked against locust plagues. The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Barbaño, meanwhile, was built by the Order of Santiago between the 13th and 15th centuries and lies near the Guadiana.

Churches, a Convent and Architecture

The Convento de Santa Clara brings together architectural history and works of art: the building was completed in 1691 and became a Poor Clare convent under the patronage of Nuestro Señor del Pasmo in 1704. It houses a crucifix by Juan de Juni and a work by Luis de Morales depicting Christ carrying the cross.

Construction of the Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol began in the late 15th century. In the mid-16th century, the central nave was given a Gothic vault. The three-part main altarpiece depicts apostles, evangelists and Doctors of the Church. The Ermita de Jesús Nazareno contains Baroque works of art and polychrome tiles from 18th-century Triana pottery workshops on the steps of the presbytery. The chapel was founded in the late 17th or early 18th century; a hospital for poor people and travelers was attached to it.

Civilian architecture is also represented: the Casa del Navegante dates from the mid-19th century and is one of Montijo’s larger civic buildings. Its Neoclassical façade has Baroque influences. It offers a different architectural perspective from the religious buildings.

The Colección Museográfica Comunidad de Labradores Antonia Gómez Quintana is housed in a building containing collections of taxidermied animals, botanical objects, minerals and electrical appliances. The Oficina de Turismo is in the same building. Check opening hours separately before planning a visit.

Festivals and Dates to Help Plan Your Trip

The Romería de San Blas is celebrated on February 3 on Cerro de San Gregorio, next to the chapel of the same name. The tradition includes families tasting produce from the most recent home slaughter. The Velá de San Antonio follows on the evening of June 12, the eve of the feast of Saint Anthony. During Semana Santa, visitors can watch processions, including the Encuentro on Easter Sunday in Plaza de España.

Another date to note is the Traída y Despedida de la Virgen de Barbaño: on August 28, the sacred image is brought from the shrine in Barbaño to Montijo, and on the first Sunday in October it returns there. Annual events and programs may vary. Check the dates for your travel year before planning your trip around them. From 1880, the Thomas family served as stewards of Saint Anthony; a novena and the Ramo de San Antonio are associated with the Convento de San Antonio. If you are interested, check in advance whether they will take place during your travel year.

Routes and Nature

The Ruta de los Arenales begins in Montijo along a drovers’ road that formed part of the network of transhumance routes as a branch of the Cañada Real Soriana Occidental. The described stops on the Laguna de las Encantás route include La Puentecilla, a small medieval bridge, and the remains of brick and roof-tile kilns in the Dehesa El Encinar. These two themes connect the landscape with different traces of human use and settlement.

The Aula de la Naturaleza on the Finca Municipal Las Cabezas includes traditional huts, a rustic house, a viewing point and a pond. The Embalse de los Canchales is considered a regular fishing spot; local fishing regulations may apply, so check them before fishing. Depending on whether you are more interested in architectural history, festival traditions or the landscape, these themes can help you choose when to travel.

For the broader travel overview: Badajoz.