CASTLES ZAFRA

Castle of Zafra, also known as the Palace of the Dukes of Feria, is a Gothic fortress constructed between 1437 and 1443 in Badajoz, Spain. The castle evolved from a military stronghold into an elegant palatial residence featuring nine distinctive towers crowned with battlements and a refined central courtyard with Renaissance cloister. Interior highlights include a coffered Gothic-Mudejar dome chapel, the ornate Golden Room reflecting Arab influence, and carefully preserved period furnishings. Declared a historical-artistic monument in 1931, the castle now operates as a parador hotel offering terrace views of the city, gardens, and spacious rooms that capture the original palatial elegance.

The Puerta de Jerez is a beautifully preserved medieval gateway dating to 1426, guarding the western entrance to Zafra's old walled town in Extremadura. Constructed by the Duke of Feria, this 15th-century structure is one of the few original gates from Zafra's defensive walls that remain intact. Featuring a distinctive white arch adorned with flowers and topped by a chapel dedicated to the Christ of Humility and Patience, the gate leads through a picturesque street lined with matching white buildings, connecting the town centre to the historical route toward Jerez de los Caballeros.