Monastery Villages in Extremadura
18 villages
·
90 - 16,735 inhabitants
·
History 75/100
Monastery Villages in Extremadura: key facts
- 18 villages total
- Zafra (16,735 inh.)
- Monesterio (4,245 inh.)
- Orellana la Vieja (2,580 inh.)
- Avg. altitude: 498 m
Extremadura, a region of western Spain bordering Portugal, holds a collection of 18 municipalities known as the Monastery Villages. These settlements, with an average population of 2185 inhabitants, offer a glimpse into a rural Spain shaped by religious orders and agricultural traditions. Situated at altitudes ranging from 248 to 755 metres, these villages are scattered across diverse landscapes, from the plains to the foothills of the Sistema Central. The Monastery Villages offer a unique cultural experience, reflected in their architecture, cuisine, and local customs. Consider visiting Zafra, in the Zafra - Río Bodión comarca, dominated by El Alcázar de los Duques de Feria, a 15th-century castle now operating as a Parador hotel. Or explore Monesterio, located in the Tentudía comarca, home to the Museo del Jamón, dedicated to the region's famed Iberian ham. These villages provide a window into a less-travelled part of Spain, where history and nature intertwine.
