Albalat
What is Albalat?
The Albalat archaeological site, located in Romangordo (Cáceres), is one of the most important fortified complexes from the Muslim period in the rural area of Cáceres. Its name, derived from the Arabic Majāḍat al-Balāṭ or al-Balāṭ, reflects its Islamic origin, when this area was part of al-Andalus. Its main occupation extended from the 9th to the 12th centuries, and thanks to excavations begun in 2009, it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) as an archaeological zone in 2014.
Among the elements of the site are the necropolis, the hammam or public bathhouse, the suburb, and the walls — some now covered by the reservoir. In Extremadura, few Andalusian enclaves have been subject to systematic excavations, making Albalat an exception of great historical value.
The project, of international scope, combines research and multidisciplinary training, with specialists in archaeology, geophysics, ceramics and restoration. Its goal is, in addition to expanding historical knowledge, to promote the conservation and enhancement of the site as a cultural resource and driver of sustainable tourism for the region.
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Majāḍat al-Balāṭ" (مدينة البلاط) was its original Arabic name, literally meaning "The ford of the road