Badajoz

This Moorish citadel was built in the 9th century, though what you see now is the 12th century Almohad fortifications. It's walled, with 8 towers: greatest of these is the 30 m Torre de Espantaperros - "scare-dogs tower", named for the effect of its bell on the dogs lazing in the plaza below. After the Almohads were ousted the citadel's mosque became the cathedral until St John's was built. The ducal palace La Galera has been city hall then a prison and now houses the Archaeological Museum, with finds from the Visigoth, Roman, and other periods. A large section of the citadel is occupied by Jardines de la Galera - the name indicated "gallows" as condemned prisoners were permitted to exercise here.

Large gallery in two 19th-century mansions with lots of big names represented: Zurbarán, Luis de Morales, Caravaggio, Goya, Picasso, Dalí and more.

Fortress-like cathedral built in the 13th century and much modified in later centuries. It contains a museum of religious artwork and artefacts.

Large collection of contemporary art by Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American artists. The building stands on the site of a former Detention Centre.

Fun interactive museum with costumes and other effects from the city carnival.