Badajoz

Badajoz is the capital of the province of Badajoz in the autonomous community of Extremadura, Spain. Belonging to the traditional comarca of Tierra de Badajoz, it is situated close to the Portuguese border, on the left bank of the river Guadiana. The population in 2011 was 151,565. Badajoz (Baṭalyaws) was founded by Ibn Marwan towards 875. In the 11th century, it became the seat of the Taifa of Badajoz, noted as a hub for (high) cultural production under the Aftasids despite military and political unstability. Badajoz was conquered by the Kingdom of León in 1230, becoming a royal demesne and seat of an opulent diocese. Due to the spillover of civil wars and conflicts with Portugal, the city underwent many spells of calamity throughout the medieval and modern periods. Featuring an area of 1,470 km2, the extensive municipal territory of Badajoz comprises the main city and about 26 secondary settlements and pedanías. Badajoz lies on the A-5 road route connecting central Spain with Portugal. It is also served by Badajoz Railway Station and the Badajoz Airport. Promoted by the European Union, the initiative of the Badajoz-Elvas-Campo Maior eurocity seeks to achieve deeper cross-border cooperation with the Portuguese cities of Elvas and Campo Maior.