History of Albalat
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Albalat is a small fortified Andalusian settlement located at a strategic crossing point of the Tagus River, within the municipal boundaries of Romangordo. It is one of the most significant examples of this type of settlement in the rural countryside of Cáceres.
Before archaeological excavations began, the only available references about the history of this fortified site came from medieval textual sources, both Arabic and Latin. Although brief, these texts reveal Albalat’s strategic importance as a crossing point in the middle Tagus Valley, a function that fully justifies its toponym, preserved over the centuries: Majāḍat al-Balāṭ (“the ford of the way”), often abbreviated as al-Balāṭ. This name clearly evokes its location along an ancient route, later adopted by the Cañada Real Leonesa, near a ford that, in the 16th century, was supplemented by the construction of a bridge upstream.
Al-Balāṭ stands as a living testament to the Andalusian legacy in the heart of the Tagus Valley, a fundamental piece for understanding the medieval history of the region.
Archaeological research has revealed that the site was continuously occupied from the 9th to the 12th century, a period characterized by significant political and military upheaval.
Since 2009, excavations have uncovered parts of the walls, but above all, they have revealed the city’s intricate urban layout, featuring cobbled streets, residential areas, craft workshops and a bathhouse (hammam). These elements highlight a well-organized and thriving community.