Llerena is a city in the province Badajoz.
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| Llerena | ||
| region | Badajoz | |
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| Residents | 5.743 (2020) | |
| height | 641 m | |
| Tourist info web | http://www.llerena.org | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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background
In the Moorish times, Llerena was known as Ellerina. The city flourished under the Catholic Kings. The recaptured cities and regions had to be repopulated and cultivated. That is why the Order of Santiago was established in Llerena. Years later, the Inquisition Tribunal was established here, which gave the city a new boost. The buildings show a Mudejar influence, because between the 8th and 13th centuries the Moorish culture determined life. Buildings that were erected between the 13th and 16th centuries belong to a mixture of Mudejar elements and Gothic. The Mudejar style is of Moorish origin. Wooden ceilings and exposed quarry stone masonry were often combined with pointed arches, cross vaults and ashlar stones. Sacred, secular and military buildings could be enriched by the new wealth from South America with baroque art. Extremadura was the birthplace of numerous conquerors (see Trujillo (Spain)) and colonists. That is why it has benefited greatly from conquering America. For everyone who doesn't speak Spanish: Llerena is pronounced Jerena.
getting there
In the street
- Llerena is on the N-432 between Cordoba and Zafra.
- Of Seville you can take the A-66 towards Merida until exit 684 (Zafra) and then turn onto the N-432 to Llerana.
- Of Cordoba use the N-432 north-west.
- Of Cáceres or Merida drive south on the A-66 to exit 684 and then on the N-432 to Llerena.
mobility
In Llerena you can explore the sights on foot.
Tourist Attractions
On a tour of the old town you should visit the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Granada, the courtyard of the Tribunal of the Inquisition and the Bishop's Palace. Due to the influence of the medieval order of knights, a whole complex of sacred buildings was created.
Places
- Plaza Mayor. The main square of Llerana. He has a well by Zurburán, who lived in Llerena for 13 years. It says that here too Ayuntamiento (City Hall) and the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Granada.
Churches
- In the Iglesia de Santiago the last member of the Knightly Order of Santiago was buried.
- in the Santa Clara Monastery works by the great master of Spanish baroque, Juan Martínez Montañés, can be admired.
- The San Juan de Dios and Santa Catalina Hospitals are worth a visit.
- The Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Granada in Plaza Mayor has a mannerist style bell tower. Arcades and altar are baroque. Inside the church there is a carved Gothic figure of the Virgen de la Granada. This was the seat of the Inquisition.
Palaces
- Palacio Maestral, Palacio Episcopal, Palacio Consistorial and Palacio de los Zapata have very nice courtyards, elegant corridors and large rooms. The palaces are built of bricks and decorated with stucco.
activities
shop
kitchen
The traditional cuisine of Llerana consists of dishes like the Sopa Dorada (Bread soup) and the Sopa Molinera (Tomato soup with caraway seeds and chili peppers). You eat in the warm months Gazpacho soup (cold vegetable soup). Meat dishes are hare and partridge with sage, roast lamb and the stews.
accommodation
Upscale
- Hotel Hospederia Mirador de LLerena ****. Price: double room including breakfast 70-80 €.
trips
- Campiña and Sierra Sur
- The cityscape of Fregenal de la Sierra in the Sierra Sur is determined by whitewashed houses and churches. The pilgrimage chapel Virgen de los Remedios and the churches of Santa Catalina and Santa Ana are next to the Plaza de Toros. Along with the old Moorish Alcázaba (Fortress) and Templar Fortress are the main attractions.
- Zafra, a city on Via de la Plata should be seen. Zafra, at the foot of the Sierra de Castelar, has one Alcazar (Castle), which was declared an art historical monument. Here is the Parador de Zafra now. Plaza Grande and Plaza Chica are two popular meeting places. Manor houses, monasteries and churches form a building ensemble of great architectural harmony.
- Located about 130 km away Badajoz, the capital of the province. The city has Moorish city walls, interesting monuments and interesting streets and arcades.
- The town Merida has a glamorous Roman past. She belongs to UNESCO World Heritage Site worth a visit. Don't forget the National Museum of Roman Art, the work of Spanish architect Rafael Moneo. In summer Mérida hosts the International Classical Theater Festival.
