Beautiful Spanish city just 3.7 miles from the Portugal border with barely any tourists

A stunning Spanish city, just 3.7 miles from the Portuguese border, sees far fewer tourists than its more famous counterparts. Badajoz, the capital of the Province of Badajoz in Extremadura, Spain, sits on the left bank of the Guadiana River . It's situated 38 miles from Merida, 141 miles east of Lisbon, and 252 miles from Madrid.

Following the Reconquista, the region was a point of contention between Spain and Portugal for several centuries, with control alternating between the two nations leading to numerous wars including the Spanish War of Succession (1705), the Storming of Badajoz (1812), and the Spanish Civil War (1936).

The city's tumultuous past is deeply ingrained in its architecture and landmarks, such as the Badajoz Cathedral, constructed in 1238, which bears resemblance to a fortress. Three of its windows are unique - one in Gothic style, another in Renaissance, and the third in Plateresque style (15th-century), reports the Express .

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Due to these conflicts, Badajoz's economy suffered greatly and its people lived in poverty. The agricultural land was infertile, making farming an insignificant industry.

However, the city's historic monuments became major tourist attractions and continue to be so today, contributing to the growth of tourism and some industrial development.

The city boasts the ruins of the Moorish castle Alcazaba of Badajoz, which overlooks the Guadiana river, nestled between the castle-hill and the heavily fortified San Cristobal.

This fort was the only significant stronghold on the southern Portuguese border during the 17th and 18th centuries, controlling the routes of southern Portugal and Andalusia. It also served as a launching point for invasions against Portugal. The Torre de Espantaperros, a 30-meter tower built from mud and mortar, offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.

Its name is derived from the piercing sound of a bell that once hung in the tower. The 16th-century building attached to it has served various purposes over the years, including city hall, a prison, and now the Archaeological Museum.

A beautifully maintained garden surrounds this monument, where archaeological artifacts from the Visigothic, Roman, and other periods have been discovered. A stroll around the historic quarter reveals Arab walls, intriguing monuments, and charming streets and porches.

Other notable landmarks include Plaza Alta, which dates back to the 15th to 17th centuries. Recently restored, it was the city's center for centuries as it expanded beyond the limits of the Muslim citadel. Its unique blend of white, red, and black stones mixed with other materials has made it one of the capital's main tourist attractions.

La Giralda, situated near Plaza de la Soledad, is a replica of Seville's Giralda. Finished in 1930, it is adorned with ceramic tiles and metalwork and features an embossed symbol of Mercury, representing commerce.

The Puerta de Palmas, constructed in 1551 with two cylindrical towers flanking the entrance door, has a rich history. Once serving as a prison, it has since been renovated and now serves as an entry point to the city.

From Badajoz, one can venture further into the Land of Barros, Merida, and the Cornalvo Nature Reserve. Badajoz experiences a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, with temperatures sometimes soaring above 40C and mild winters averaging around 9C in December and January. The annual average humidity level is 64 percent.

As for transportation, Badajoz railway station, located in the north of the city, is the only station. It services long- and medium-distance trains and is the last Spanish station before entering the Portuguese railway system.

Plans are underway to replace it with a new facility at the border, which will accommodate high-speed services run by the Southwest-Portuguese corridor and the Madrid-Lisbon line. Badajoz Airport, situated eight miles east of the city centre, operates two civil routes, one to Barcelona and the other to Madrid.

La Alcazaba is "definitely worth a visit if you are in Badajoz", according to one Tripadvisor reviewer, who praised its "very well preserved battlements and very good walks along the top... with great views". Plaza Alta was described by another reviewer as a "very nice plaza", boasting a "great taverna there as well". A third reviewer noted its "a sense of layers of history".