Let yourself be captivated by the medieval magic of Granadilla. Dare to cross through its imposing Almohad walls and climb up to the castle, where you will be rewarded with panorama views of the walled village and the Gabriel y Galán Reservoir.

It was abandoned in 1964 due to the construction of the Gabriel y Galán Reservoir that currently surrounds it. Its buildings, which still retain the essence of its history, make it one of the most charming villages in Extremadura and Spain. It was subsequently declared a Historic Site in 1980 and since then has been carefully restored and preserved.

Ancient Granada, today Granadilla, was founded in the 9th century by the Muslims and was a strategic point on the border between the Muslim and Christian kingdoms during the Reconquest. The Comunidad de Villa y Tierra de Granadilla, a very important lordship in northern Extremadura, was founded in the 12th century. Las Hurdes, a large part of Trasierra-Tierras de Granadilla and part of the Ambroz Valley belonged to this lordship. It flourished during the 15th and 16th centuries, when most of the Gothic, Mudejar and Renaissance style buildings that remain today were constructed.

The town is surrounded by a solid medieval wall, part of which you can walk on. Climb up to the castle to marvel at the fantastic views of the town and the reservoir.

The parish Church of the Assumption, built in the 16th century, is still in good condition. Mass is celebrated in the church twice a year, on 15 August, the Feast of the Assumption, and on 1 November, All Saints’ Day. The Plaza Mayor is the heart of the town and the site of much of its architectural heritage. This includes such notable buildings as the town hall, the Casa de Villa y Tierra, the Casa del Pósito, the old jail, the casino and the Casa de las Conchas. The Casa de Villa y Tierra is one of the oldest mansions in town, featuring the coat of arms of the House of Alba, lords of the town for four centuries.

The proximity to the Gabriel y Galán Reservoir makes this an ideal spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. It’s the perfect location for birding, with sightings of numerous species, especially cranes in autumn and winter, as well as large birds of prey year-round. It’s also a Special Protection Area (SPA).