When visiting Don Álvaro, there are two perspectives to explore: the built-up townscape, with its church, hermitage, spring and mills, and the Guadiana landscape, with its native flora and fauna. Local crafts and cuisine add to the cultural experience.
Townscape and history
In 1593, Don Álvaro separated from the Villa de Mérida, beginning its history as the Villa of Don Álvaro de Luna. The townscape features cobbled streets, bright white houses, narrow lanes and old houses with a palatial character. These details draw attention both to individual buildings and to the character of the town’s streets and houses.
The parish church of Santa María Magdalena originally dates from the 15th century and was later remodeled. Its choir has a distinctive octagonal dome; octagonal means that the shape has eight sides. The church also preserves two reused, marble-carved abaci serving as holy-water stoups. These architectural details give the church a distinctive character that sets it apart from the simpler townscape.
The Ermita de San Bernabé is a 13th-century building that belonged to the Knights Templar of the Order of Santiago. It is also historically associated with Don Álvaro de Luna, the Grand Master of the Order of Santiago. The hermitage is two kilometers from Don Álvaro, along the path of the same name. The so-called Piedras de Sangre (Blood Stones), reddish stones with distinctive markings, can also be found along the path to San Bernabé.
The Fuente del Pilar is located within the town. It is described as an inexhaustible spring, even during summer droughts. Beneath the Plazuela del Pilar is a cistern connected to the spring. The spring and cistern add another chapter to the town’s history alongside its religious buildings.
Mills and paths
An archaeological description published in 2016 places the Molino de la Aceña on the right bank of the Guadiana. It records that the mill had two pairs of millstones and that the year 1873 is inscribed in the mortar on its east façade. A 1.5-kilometer rural path connects the town center to the Molino de la Aceña. Following work completed in December 2023, the path was prepared and opened for public use. Check the current condition of the path before visiting.
The Molino de la Dehesa is described as a river-powered mill with two millstones. It was restored around 2006. The two mills offer different points of interest for exploring local architectural and technological history: at the Aceña, the documented millstones and the date on the façade stand out, while at the Dehesa, the river power and approximate restoration date are notable.
Landscape, crafts and cuisine
The natural surroundings of Don Álvaro are part of the Guadiana ecosystem and are home to a diverse range of native flora and fauna. The mountains, dehesas and waterways around the town offer panoramic views and sunset vistas. Fish caught in the Guadiana near Don Álvaro include barbel, carp, pike, boga, crucian carp, catfish and crayfish.
Local craft traditions are another distinctive feature of the town. Embroidery, lace and braid are made by local artisans, with the skills passed down from generation to generation. Other crafts include handmade plows, jugs and ceramics. Traditional cuisine includes a wide selection of pork products, handmade dishes and homemade pastries. Together, nature, crafts and cuisine offer a different perspective on Don Álvaro from its buildings and historical dates.
Festivals throughout the year
The festival in honor of San Bernabé takes place on June 11 and includes a procession from the hermitage into town. The festival in honor of Santa María Magdalena is celebrated on July 22. If you want to plan your trip around either of these dates, check the festival calendar for the relevant year.
Discover more destinations: Villalba De Los Barros, Montemolín, Fregenal De La Sierra, Badajoz, Aceuchal, Fuente De Cantos, Cheles, Orellana La Vieja.
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