Badajoz

Badajoz
Badajos
Panoramic view
Puerta de Palmas
Plaza Alta
City Hall
Interactive map of Badajoz
Coordinates: 38°52′49″N 6°58′31″W / 38.88028°N 6.97528°W / 38.88028; -6.97528
CountrySpain
Autonomous CommunityExtremadura
ProvinceBadajoz
ComarcaTierra de Badajoz
Foundedc. 875
Founded byIbn Marwan (over a previous Visigothic settlement)
Government
 • MayorIgnacio Gragera (PP)
Area
 • Total
1,470 km2 (570 sq mi)
Elevation
 (AMSL)
185 m (607 ft)
Population
 (2025-01-01)
 • Total
150,209
 • Rank302
 • Density102/km2 (265/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST (GMT +2))
Postal code
70862
Area code+34 (Spain) + 924 (Badajoz)
Websitewww.aytobadajoz.es

Badajoz is the capital of the province of Badajoz in the autonomous community of Extremadura, Spain. It is situated close to the Portuguese border, on the left bank of the river Guadiana. The population in 2011 was 151,565.

Badajoz (Baṭalyaws) was founded by Ibn Marwan towards 875. In the 11th century, it became the seat of the Taifa of Badajoz, noted as a hub for (high) cultural production under the Aftasids despite military and political unstability. Badajoz was conquered by the Kingdom of León in 1230, becoming a royal demesne and seat of an opulent diocese. Due to the spillover of civil wars and conflicts with Portugal, the city underwent many spells of calamity throughout the medieval and modern periods. Featuring an area of 1,470 km2, the extensive municipal territory of Badajoz comprises the main city and about 26 secondary settlements and pedanías.

Badajoz lies on the A-5 road route connecting central Spain with Portugal. It is also served by Badajoz Railway Station and the Badajoz Airport. Promoted by the European Union, the initiative of the Badajoz-Elvas-Campo Maior eurocity seeks to achieve deeper cross-border cooperation with the Portuguese cities of Elvas and Campo Maior.