We are far from the 8,000 kilometers of the Great Wall of China but this still little-known site has some great surprises in store.
The Great Wall of China, an architectural feat, is a true national symbol. It stretches over more than 8,000 kilometers and bears witness to the building genius of ancient dynasties. No wonder it tops the list of must-see sites for a trip to China and attracts millions of visitors every year…
But did you know that there is a wall in Europe that is still relatively intact and little known? One thing is certain, you will see far fewer people there than when approaching the Great Wall! Make no mistake, it will not rival the Chinese monument. Moreover, it only measures 8 kilometers long… This still makes it the longest in Europe still standing in this state.
To visit it, head to Badajoz, a medieval city in the southwest of Spain! Perched on the Portuguese border, this city has walls built from the 9th century under Moorish domination then remodeled over the centuries. It winds between gates and well-protected towers. Each section of wall tells a chapter in the tumultuous history of the city, between Muslim influence and rivalry with neighboring Portugal.
The jewel of this military complex? The Alcazaba, a citadel overlooking the city with its powerful ramparts of raw earth and resembling a kasbah. The watchtowers offer privileged viewpoints since from the heights of this eagle’s nest, the view embraces the meanders of the Guadiana river and the surrounding plains according to the Spanish magazine Viajar.
The Badajoz wall is actually made up of two separate enclosures. The first, medieval, dates back to the Muslim era in the 9th century. Built in particular in adobe, it protected the city then called “Batalyaws”. Today, the remains of this primitive wall are concentrated around the Alcazaba.
It was in the 17th century that a second defensive belt surrounded the city, in response to advances in artillery. Eight powerful bastions were erected, from the San Pedro bastion to that of San Vicente. The two walls eventually meet at the San Antonio semi-bastion, creating a unique defensive complex. Below, a maze of cobbled streets and shaded squares also invites you to stroll or rest. Travelers can also walk along the walled walkway, linger at the Palmas Gate and its Renaissance ornaments or contemplate the majesty of the San Pedro and San Roque bastions.
So, ready for an immersion in the heart of this great wall of Europe? Badajoz and its surroundings are also full of gems to discover, from the Roman ruins of Mérida to the typical white villages of Extremadura. And all this, just a few hours drive from Madrid or Lisbon! Enough to experience an unforgettable journey, without flying to the other side of the world…