Convent of the Adorers

The cathedral of Badajoz dates from the 13th century, but its construction took until the 18th century. As early as 1276, the cathedral was consecrated under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist. But it was not completed until the 15th century, and important stylistic changes were made until the 18th century, hence the style of the church, hesitating between Gothic and Baroque. Up to five royal weddings were celebrated in the town of Badajoz from the 14th to the 18th century.

Merida Cathedral dates back to the 13th century. When the city was conquered by Alfonso IX of León and returned to Christian rule, it was attached to the Archbishopric of Santiago de Compostela. Work began on the construction of a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary on the ruins of the Visigothic cathedral. In 1479, Don Alonso de Cárdenas, Master of the Order of St. James, ordered the chapel to be enlarged with the aim of making it the main church of the city. In 1620, a bull of Pope Paul V created the title of titular bishop of Merida. The bishop was chosen from among the priests of the Order of Santiago, who chose the church of Santa María as the seat of their bishopric.

The Basilica of Santa Eulalia was, according to researchers, the first Christian temple to be built in Hispania after the peace of the emperor Constantine in 313. After the reconquest of Mérida by Alfonso IX, which put an end to the Arab yoke (8th-13th century), the present church was built in the 13th century, on the same plan as the original basilica and using some of the same materials. Excavations carried out in the basement of the basilica since 1990 have brought to light the impressive underground enclosure, which can now be visited. In this crypt, where important Roman and Visigoth remains have been discovered.