SQUARES MARÍN OF RODEZNO (HIGH SQUARE) AND SAINT JOSÉ

They are two of the most emblematic spaces of the city, colidantes with the walls of the Fort and divided by the Arch of the Weight. That of Marín de Rodezno can be considered to be the Major Plaza of Badajoz. In her one places the former Town halls and nowadays one is coming to the rehabilitation from some from these constructions. His form and the diverse architectural styles owe to themselves Marín de Rodezno, bishop and patron of the city who tried in 1698, to provide it with a rectangular plant, with porches, several floors of height and constructive regular structure. It is possible to consider to be a work inconlusa, due to the continuous sieges and bombardments that in those dates the city was suffering.

To length of the history, but especially during the Arabic domination, it served as court of weapon and market, him houses being leaned to the wall from the moment in which the city expanded and new walls were defending her. On initiative of Carlos II, Juan Marín de Rodezno, inhabitant of La Rioja of origin, was named Bishopric of Badajoz, taking possession of his post in November, 1681. To it is necessary to between other numerous works of patronage, the current aspect of the High Plaza of the city that at the end of the 17th century encontaba in a lamentable condition of conservation. Being like that, Town hall asked for help to the bishopric to proceed to a deep local reform. They collaborated also in the work, besides the Bishopric and the Town hall, the Cathedral Chapter and Jesus' Company. The immediate beginning of the War with the neighboring kingdom of Portugal prevented that this one was remodelled in its entirety, remaining his current configuration from the death of the bishop enel year 1706.

The ending of the Cathedral in the field of San Juan and the later movement of the Town halls, removed it from the center and of the "wealthy" families, which were leaving the place, entering since then in Franc decadence. The movement of the Building of the metallic market to the University, ended some years ago with the profile that this place had.

The former Moslem souk rested on the walls of the fort that it was containing to the primitive city, was extending even current convent of the Adoratrices, primitive hermitage of the former boss of the city. The arch of the Weight divided the esplanade creating two spaces different and separated between yes. The place is known as square of San Jose.

    Antonio García Candelas        Suggestions and impressions

MONUMENTS