My pick
- Morisco heritage
My tip“About an hour from Mérida; climb to the remains of the Andalusian castle above the town for a view over the plain.”
A town in Extremadura most of whose people were Moriscos who kept their cohesion, arms and remarkable influence. At the expulsion (1609–1610) the Hornachegos left as one group for Salé and Rabat, and formed the core of the "Republic of Bou Regreg" (1627), known for naval jihad and correspondence with the kings of Europe.
Moderate effort, needs a car
By car only. The town sits on a slope, and the climb to the castle remains takes about 30–45 minutes on a steep, rocky dirt track with no shade and no water. A few cafés in the town. Very hot in summer.
Address
Hornachos, Badajoz