FORTIFICATION OF BADAJOZ'S ABALUARTED FORTIFICATION
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Four were the forts defending the city from the outside. The one of San Cristóbal, located on the right bank of the Guadiana was the most important of all, since from its location on the hill of The Urinza, it dominates the city. The one with the Head of the Bridge closed and protected the exit of the bridge, on the way to Portugal. Defending the weakest area of the square, in front of the Puerta del Pilar was the disappeared fort of Pardaleras. The Revellín de San Roque and the Fort of the Picuriña, also known as the Prince, completed the outer enclosure.

HORNWORK OF THE CABEZA DEL PUENTE   The Bridge Head was protected by a triangular-looking fort, with the gola closing the Bridge exit and two small bastions joined by a central curtain. In this wall was opened a gap already late in the twentieth century, to make way for the road that linked the city with the new railway station. Originally the bridge of Palmas had closed its direct access and was cut by the moat of the fort and its curtain. The exit to the outside was made by lowering the ramp that descends to the Puerta de San Vicente, there are no such that the last arches of the bridge, which are of modern construction, exist. The outside of the niche was endowed with a moat that surrounded it, on a covered path, two garita, four crosses and a small square of arms. On its north side opens the gate of San Vicente from which the roads to Portugal, Alburquerque and Campo Maior left. From that place departed the road covered with the communication with the fort of San Cristobal, element disappeared practically today.
	A few years ago the rehabilitation of this niche was carried out, from which most of its elements have been recovered, in an exemplary and unique work in the actions on the abaluartada fortification of Badajoz
This fort, like that of San Cristobal, was never taken by the enemy in any of the numerous assaults and sieges suffered by the city of Badajoz. On the eve of San Juan of the year 1658, during the Restoration War, the Portuguese troops starred during the night a violent and massive attack, managing to penetrate the pits of the fortification. In the face of critical situation, the Third of the Navy stationed in the square came to the aid of the garrison. At the cost of many casualties of their own, including those of the Marquis of Lanzarote (governor of Badajoz) and the several of their captains, they managed to put the attackers on the run.

		Photographs owned by the author.
	Antonio García Candelas        Suggestions and impressions