61km (38 miles) S of Mérida, 172km (107 miles) N of Seville
One of the most interesting stopovers in lower Extremadura, the white-walled town of Zafra is filled with old Moorish streets and squares. The 1457 castle of the dukes of Feria, the most important in the province, boasts both a sumptuous 16th-century Herreran patio and the Sala Dorada with its richly paneled ceiling. The place is now a government-run parador. You'll want to spend time on the central square, the arcaded 18th-century Plaza Mayor, and on its satellite, the 16th-century Plaza Vieja (Old Square). In addition to these two important sights in Zafra, Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is a church with nine panels by Zurbarán, displayed on the retablo in a chapel designed by Churriguera. The church, constructed in the Gothic-Renaissance style, has a red-brick belfry. Admission is free. It's open Monday to Friday 10:30am to 1pm and 7 to 8:30pm, and Sunday 11am to 12:30pm.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
