Badajoz

Badajoz, city in southwestern Spain, in Extremadura, on the Guadiana River, near the border with Portugal. It is the capital of Badajoz Province. Trade is largely with Portugal. Foodstuffs, alcoholic beverages, and blankets are the chief products of Badajoz. The see of a bishop, the city has a 13th-century cathedral, which contains works by 16th-century painter Luis de Morales, who was born here. Badajoz was an important Moorish town in the 11th century. After becoming a part of the kingdom of Castile in the 13th century, Badajoz withstood numerous attacks by the Portuguese. In 1811, during the Peninsular War (1808-1814), it was captured by the French, who held it until the following year, when it was taken by the British. In the Spanish Civil War, the Nationalists under General Francisco Franco captured Badajoz in 1936 and executed hundreds of the inhabitants. Population (2006 estimate) 143,748.