The views from the Alcazaba de Reina
The Sierra Morena wrinkles behind off into Andalusia while the patchwork plains of Badajoz merge with the sky in front. Depending on your perspective, this is either the beginning or end of Extremadura. The Romans would arrive at this crossroads (complete with amphitheater entertainment, good luck finding it open) while trying to catch a ride to either Merida or Cordoba. Centuries later, when the Muslim armies came storming northward, they knew a good thing when they saw it and built an enormous adobe castle to keep the sometimes unruly locals from their nasty habit of rebellion. Though an ocher shell of what it used to be, just the fact that you can see the castle from more than 20 miles away makes the detour worthwhile.
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Originally published on Trazzler







