STAGE: El Real de la Jara - Monesterio

Near the church we take the so-called ‘Camino de La Plata’ (Silver Way). We soon ford a stream that marks the border with Extremadura. Our attention is drawn to the remains of an old castle, where, we are told, the guard that defended the road used to live.

Between holm oaks, chaparros and cork oaks we arrive at the modern hermitage of San Isidro, where every 15th May, an important pilgrimage is held, bringing together neighbours from all the nearby villages.
A continuous and sometimes steep climb takes us to the Cruz pass, the highest point in the Sierra Morena, at almost 80 metres. A few more steps and we enter Monesterio.

It owes its name to the 15th century Mudejar monastery of Nuestra Señora de Tentudía, located on the highest mountain in the province of Badajoz, in memory of the triumph of the Christians in the battle against the Muslims. Inside, the altarpieces of San Agustín, Santiago on horseback and the tree of Jesus on the main altar are of particular note. The town's coat of arms contains the cross of Santiago and the veneras.

Monesterio is a large village, with an important pork industry, a good place to try its excellent Iberian ham.