Cathedral of Saint John

Fortress-like 13th-century cathedral with Gothic arches

Address Plaza de San Juan, s/n

Built like a fortress after Alfonso IX took the city in the 13th century, the cathedral is topped by battlements and anchored by a tall square tower that could have been a defensive keep on its own. Inside, the basilica plan has three naves with late Gothic arches, a Renaissance choir stalls carved in walnut, and several Zurbarán paintings in the cathedral museum. The main entrance on Plaza de San Juan is crowned by a statue of John the Baptist.

The military appearance is a reminder that Badajoz spent most of its history as a contested frontier town. The cathedral museum, in the cloister, has the cathedral treasury and some excellent Flemish tapestries — worth the modest admission fee. The Plaza de San Juan around the cathedral, with its arcaded buildings and outdoor cafes, is the place to recover with a beer afterwards.

things to do sight landmark
A story
When the cathedral was raised to metropolitan rank in 1994, it triggered a small ecclesiastical earthquake: the new Archdiocese of Mérida–Badajoz absorbed parts of the venerable Roman see of Mérida, whose own basilica had been founded in the 4th century. Badajoz, the upstart border town, had finally outranked its Roman neighbour.