History
Information on the foundation of Don Benito is not available until the 15th century however based
on archaeological findings of pilasters, busts, tombs and ceramics… it is believed that it was the
place of establishment of the Romans, Visigoths and Arabs.
The lack of specific documents about the foundation of the town and the absence of the town
charter are some of the factors preventing us to date the establishment of the town and its
anthroponomical. However according to known facts it is likely that the hill of San Sebastian is the
origin point of the town.
It is reasonable to accept the position of those who placed it after the reconquest of the lands of
Medellin to the Moors, in 1234 by King Fernando III el Santo, and that the physical location of the
place or village of Don Benito, was a result of the repopulation process and distribution of land and
property that held the King among nobles, Bishop, military orders, etc., who had participated with
his army in the conquest of the lordship of Medellin - a character that would have given the name to
the village.
The demographic growth of Don Benito along the 15th and 16th century may be due both to the need
to strengthen the border line between Medellin and the Priory of Magacela and to defend its
jurisdiction from the arrival of new settlers from Castile and Leon.
On March 7, 1550, Carlos I granted Don Benito its first municipal ordinances to regulate the lives of
its residents. The year 1735 was an historical date for Don Benito since it became an exempt
village; fact that led to its independence from the county by paying Felipe V 4500 ducats. A century
later, Don Benito became head of the district and later on, in 1856 Isabel II granted it the title of
town, due to its growing development. Currently Don Benito is considered capital of the Vegas Altas
del Guadiana.
A stroll around Don Benito
Spain Main Square
Located in the heart of the town, with an area of approximately 6,600 square meters; the square has
in its center the "Monument to the Water and Land", unique in Spain to be symbolized by a man in
stone and a woman in bronze, work of the sculptor Pérez Comendador. Inside it, poem verses
written by the physician and humanist D. Celestino Vega Mateos are dedicated to Guadiana River.
On the east side of the monument, the Municipal Palace "former headquarters of the Bank of Spain"
is located as well as the building of the Post Office and Telegraphs; opposite to it, on its far east side
lies the majestic Church of Santiago of Renaissance style.
This square was remodeled in 1965.