Zafra travel guide and discussion

Traveling westward in Spain ~ Badajoz Province (region) One of the architectural treasures of Zafra. You cannot miss visiting this temple when you come to visit this fabulous town of Extremadura. The visit was free and a tour guide gave us a brief introduction to the attractions within the temple on the day we entered. There are also some very beautiful altarpieces here, especially the Virgin de los Remedios altarpiece by Zurbarán. The large-scale works are extremely valuable and are also very well preserved. You can climb to the top of the altar through a small hidden trap door next to the patron saint statue, although it's not open to the public. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Extremadura

Its construction began in 1437 by Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa. From the outside, it has the appearance of a fortress. However, its interior is renowned for its palatial elegance. It has a central courtyard with a Renaissance cloister and was built according to the plans of Juan de Herrera. In addition to the rooms, the coffered ceiling of the Gothic Mudejar dome that covers the church and the Arabic style in the golden room deserve special attention. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Extremadura

Heading west in Spain ~ Badajoz Province (Region) The Convent of Santa Clara in Zafra is home to a museum of the same name, dedicated to the history of the city and the nuns of the Order of Saint Clare who have lived there since its founding. The Monastery of Santa María del Valle (its official name) was established in 1423 by the first Lord of Feria, Gómez Suárez de Figueroa, who is buried here in a Gothic alabaster tomb. The buildings and architecture on this site span from the 15th to the 18th century. The church has a rectangular floor plan with a nave with a barrel vault and a square sanctuary (17th century). It includes a main chapel, a sacristy, the nuns' choir stalls, the funeral chapel of the Dukes of Feria, and two porches, one in classical style (17th century) and the other in Mudejar style (16th century). Other elements of the site include a cloister with pointed semicircular arches and various other rooms.

Traveling westward in Spain ~ Badajoz Province (region) Zafra, also known as Sevilla la Chica, is located in the heart of Lower Extremadura, in the Sierra de Castellar On the plain at the foot of rocky cliffs. The integration of the city began with the strategic relay station of "Via La Plata" in Roman Spain. The San Miguel Livestock Fair is an inherent feature of this time-honored commercial tradition. The town was governed by the Álcazar in the 15th century. It has a military appearance on the outside but is palace-like on the inside. The Renaissance cloister in the central courtyard is particularly eye-catching. It currently houses the Parador de Turismo. The surroundings of this medieval town have a unique structure, with narrow streets and an odd layout shaped like a turtle shell. A 15th-century stone wall completely surrounds it, and three of the original eight doors still stand. The large arched square is located in the very center of the town. Connected to it via the popular "Arquillo del Pan" you will find its smaller counterpart: Plaza Chica. But Zafra's monumental legacy is vast: the ornate collegiate church of La Candelaria, built in 1546 and containing three altarpieces, one by Zurbarán and the other by Churriguera; the parish church of San José ; Numerous monasteries, mainly built in the 16th century; in terms of civil architecture, there are a large number of Hidalgo manors from the 16th to 18th centuries and middle-class mansions from the 19th century. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Extremadura