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From the extinct intramural city of the Alcazaba, semi-derred and in perpetual promise of re-habl, the remains of ancient barracks, primitive mosques Christianized after the reconquest and part of the old urban layout of it are preserved. These include the ruins of the Freyres Church or Calatrava, very close to the Library of Extremadura andold Military Hospital. Under the foundations of the latter, some remains of the primitive private mosque of the Marwan, later transformed into Santa Maria de la See, the first Cathedral of Badajoz, remain. In almost total ruin, and pending rehabilitation, the remains of the churches of Consolation and the Rosary stand out. From the church of Santiago that was located near the door of the Metido, nothing can be observed, although buried under deep refilled must remain the remains of its plant.

SANTA MARIA DE LA SEE ( MOSQUE AND PRIMITVE CATHEDRAL OF THE CITY )

It was after the conquest of Badajoz by Alfonso IX de León, the first Cathedral of the city. As it was customary at the time, it was built on the old mosque that for its private use had the emir of the city. Excavations showed that until a few years ago, it was the oldest dating Islamic temple in the West. Shortly thereafter, in the basement of the Cordoba mosque, the remains of another building were discovered an older year. Barely any sign of the mihrab endorses the presence of this mosque. Alongside these vestiges, elements possibly belonging to the Throne Hall of the Aftasid Kings have been found. The Christian temple soon became small and it was decided to build a new one in the Camp of San Juan, more in line with the category of the city. In the Alcazaba, semi-derred and in perpetual promise of re-enactcion, are preserved the remains of ancient barracks, primitive mosques Christianized after the reconquest and part of the old urban layout of it.

Today the most outstanding rest of this building is its recently re-built tower. From its original trace and construction, there are hardly any recognizable elements left, since it has received over time multiple modifications related to the various uses to which it was dedicated. In this regard the upper body of the crown stands out.

CALATRAVA CHURCH

As the name suggests, this church was linked to the Military Order of Calatrava, founded in the twelfth century to defend the Christian possessions of the south of the peninsula from Muslim attacks, within the framework of the Reconquest. The contribution of the Military Orders was generously rewarded by the Lioness and Castilian kings. The assistance provided to King Alfonso IX of León in the takeover of Badajoz by the Order of Alcantara was compensated with the Encomienda de las Casas de Calatrava, a set of properties and estates, among which was this church today in total ruin. This property caused continuous litigation with the bishop of the city, which took place for a long time. The visiting brethren of the Order recounted in their writings all the details relating to this construction, its chapels and its petences.

As a curious fact it is known that on a door that gave access to his tower, was found a funeral tombstone belonging to King Aftásida Almanzor of Badajoz. Specifically, Abdallah Aben-al-Aftás Almansur. It is importantisimportant vestige of the Muslim Badajoz disappeared over time, just as it happened that many others referenced documentaryly,

Some researchers point to the possibility of this church already existed before the reconquest, as a Christian temple. Badajoz was a tributary of Leon and in the city there could be a large group of believers with the power to establish their own cult. The last excavations carried out superficially in his plant, found very ancient vestiges in its subsoil, although no previous possible uses of this temple have been determined.

OF THE ROSARIO HERMITAGE

The hermitage of Rosario is located in front of the Puerta de Carros and next to the tower of the same name. It is not known for certain when it was built, but the invenstigators date it into the second half of the 15th century. Although it is supposed to be built on high ground and therefore supported by previous constructions. It is a small building, rectangular and composed of a single nave topped with semicircular apse and several side chapels. The Hermitage had other buildings attached, patio and well. It was part of an old albarrana, belonging to the northern part of the fortification before the last Almohade extension. To the tower is attached an altar, from which part of its decoration and frescoes are still preserved.

The War of Independence destroyed the area, so long ago its entrance platform, staircase, its main front and part of the ship disappeared.

CONSOLACIÓN HERMITAGE

A short distance from the hermitage of the Rosary, is this other church, in total ruin, since its roof has disappeared and part of its walls have collapsed, in the face of the passivity and inoperability of the responsible authorizers. When the alcazaba is accessed from the so-called "carriage gate", the old osamenta of these churches leaves visitors deeply amazed.

It was erected in the mid-15th century, and its architecture is very simple, rectangular in plan and of a single nave. He rose from bricks without practically using the stone. During the iglo xix century it was enabled as another cemetery of the city. In consolation, the remains of Captain General Arco Agéero were deposited, under the altar of his only ship.

It had a hostel attached to its side, around a central courtyard, with an entrance arch that is still preserved today. Among the remains of these buildings, paintings and other vestiges of their ornamentation were preserved until recently.

ARABIC FORTRESSE