We travel the last 65 kilometres of EuroVelo 1 in its passage through Extremadura. On this section we leave Zafra and depart for the town of Monesterio, bordering on Andalusia, on a stage running through extensive dehesas devoted to rearing Iberian pigs.
We are heading for the south to Puebla de Sancho Pérez, where if we are curious to do so we can visit what is said to be the oldest bullring in Spain, which is adjacent to the Chapel of Belén. The town is also known for its El Raposo Spa some 5 kilometres away with its waters with curative powers in a pleasant environment which is worth exploring. And if you like archaeology you should make a detour to Medina de las Torres to get to know the former Contributa Iulia Ugultunia, the most important Roman town of Baeturia of the Celtici.
Our ride continues along the BAV-024 towards Calzadilla de los Barros. We should not leave the town without visiting its Parish Church of El Divino Salvador, which holds the best Mudejar Gothic altarpiece in Extremadura.
We continue pedalling to the provincial border and reach Fuente de Cantos, which is an unusual town and the birthplace of great painters such as Nicolás Megía and Francisco de Zurbarán. To understand the universe of this painter of genius we can visit his Casa Museum. And if it is late April we will attend the gastronomic festival, the Chanfaina, to taste the traditional stew of shepherds in Extremadura. Only 6 kilometres away lies the archaeological site of Los Castillejos, a settlement with a long history going back to the Neolithic.
This stage comes to an end together with the EuroVelo 1 Route in Extremadura in the municipality of Monesterio, where we must stop off to eat and visit the Ham Museum. We will be unable to resist tasting the delicious products of the Iberian pig, especially its famous acorn-cured Iberian ham. This farewell will leave a good taste in the mouth. We now only have to ride 15 kilometres through the magnificent pastures of the dehesa to reach the town of Real de la Jara in the province of Seville.
Comments: Section 24