Almendralejo bullring

The Almendralejo bullring, known locally as Plaza de toros de Almendralejo, stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry and historical grandeur of Almendralejo, a city in the province of Badajoz, Spain. This iconic structure, with its neomudéjar architectural style, is not just a venue for bullfighting but a symbol of the region's historical and cultural evolution.

The History of Almendralejo Bullring

The Almendralejo bullring was constructed in the mid-19th century, a period marked by significant economic prosperity driven by the cultivation of vineyards and olive groves. This economic boom led to the construction of various prominent buildings, including the Almendralejo bullring. The original structure, designed by the architects Pedrera and Tinoco, was inaugurated in 1843. It underwent significant renovations in 1881 and again in 1912, the latter of which gave it its current neomudéjar appearance, inspired by the now-demolished Madrid bullring designed by Emilio Rodríguez Ayuso.

This architectural gem was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest) on September 9, 2014, recognizing its historical and cultural significance. The bullring's design and construction reflect a blend of traditional and monumental architecture, making it a notable example of 19th and early 20th-century architectural practices in Extremadura.

Architectural Features

The Almendralejo bullring can accommodate up to 6,000 spectators, with a ring diameter of 51 meters. Its construction features a combination of masonry, brick, and rammed earth. The structure is supported by pointed arches, which in turn support the vaulted seating areas. The gallery, illuminated by numerous oculi, adds to the building's unique character. The use of a cellar in the underground gallery, housing numerous wine cones, is a distinctive feature of this bullring.

The northeastern and eastern sides of the bullring are enclosed by a wall and ironwork, with the enclosures for the bulls also located in this section. This enclosed space includes a small garden, a brick well with a curious structure, and a balcony accessed via a staircase adorned with iron columns typical of late 19th and early 20th-century architecture. A tile panel depicting the Virgin, sheltered by a ceramic roof, adds a touch of religious reverence to the exterior façade.

The ground floor exterior features horseshoe arches leading to the interior, while the second floor boasts a continuous metal balcony with numerous horseshoe arch windows framed in alfiz and decorated with tile spandrels. The wrought ironwork, featuring reliefs of bullfighter busts, is a notable decorative element on both the lower and upper levels of the bullring.

Exploring the Bullring

Visitors entering the Almendralejo bullring are greeted by a mix of traditional and monumental architecture. The interior includes the bullring itself, a passageway with four direct entrances, and four wooden barriers leading to the arena. An additional fourteen barriers, constructed from masonry, are attached to the perimeter wall.

The most striking feature inside the bullring is the upper gallery, which consists of cast iron arches crafted in the same neomudéjar style as the rest of the building. Delicate neo-Nasrid columns and scalloped horseshoe arches of iron support the wooden and Arab-tiled roof. The geometric decoration in the spandrels of the arches is particularly noteworthy. The upper gallery's balustrade, separating it from the rest of the seating area, features intricate taurine motifs. The presidential box, elevated above the rest of the gallery, commands a prominent position, while the second floor is crowned with stepped battlements.

The Winery Connection

Adjacent to the bullring is a winery, reflecting the region's deep-rooted viticultural heritage. This winery, though somewhat incongruous in a bullring setting, is a reminder of the area's historical wine production practices before the large-scale industrialization of the mid-20th century. Almendralejo's landscape, once characterized by mixed farming of vines and olive trees, evolved into a major wine-producing region, with the bullring's winery serving as a link to this past.

In conclusion, the Almendralejo bullring is more than just an arena for bullfighting; it is a cultural landmark that encapsulates the historical and architectural evolution of Almendralejo. Its neomudéjar design, combined with traditional construction techniques, offers a unique glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. For visitors to Almendralejo, the bullring is an unmissable attraction, offering a fascinating journey through the history and culture of this vibrant Spanish city.