Ejercicio Primer Bloque: Texto 1 - Ejercicio 1 · Inglés PAU Extremadura Ordinaria 2024

Reading comprehension: Text 1

One of Europe’s longest walls hidden in Spanish city.

Walled cities are not uncommon in Spain, however, one of its most impressive and arguably the longest in mainland Europe is hidden near the border with Portugal. So where exactly is it? The answer is not in famous sites like the walls of Lugo or Avila, but in the less well-known location of Badajoz, Extremadura. This city, with a long history of border wars with Portugal, is home to the continent's most extensive fortification.

Constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries, Badajoz's wall system symbolizes an era marked by military innovation. Influenced by the designs of French military engineer Sebastien Le Prestre, Marquis of Vauban, these fortifications are a continuation of earlier defensive structures.

The initial walls, dating back to the 9th and 11th centuries, were erected by prominent Muslim leaders, including Ibn Marwan. The Alcazaba, an integral part of these fortifications, was established in 1169 under Almohad rule, with the final Muslim renovations completed in the 13th century. The 17th century brought renewed focus on Badajoz's defenses, following Portugal's independence in 1640. The city's strategic position demanded an improved defensive system, leading to the construction of the ‘Baluarted Wall’. This advanced structure was specifically designed to withstand attacks from all angles. Despite economic challenges, this wall incorporated existing fortifications, creating a formidable barrier that resisted various sieges throughout the centuries.

Visitors to Badajoz can explore numerous bastions and gates along the wall. Among them, the 16th-century Puerta de Merida and the 1680 Trinity Gate showcase classicist designs and royal emblems. Notable too are the 16th-century Puerta del Pilar and the 1460 Puerta de las Palmas, each displaying distinctive architectural elements. The wall's bastions highlight strategic points around the city. The wall's length and complexity, spanning approximately 5 kilometers, make it a remarkable and historically significant structure, second only to the wall of Pamplona in terms of perimeter.

(Euro Weekly News. January 2024. Adapted)

EXERCISE 1

Answer 3 of the following 4 questions, providing evidence from the text (maximum 1 point each, total 3 points):

a.

Does the author say that few cities in Spain have walls?

b.

According to the text, has Badajoz been a place of conflict historically?

c.

According to the text, were there money problems when the wall was renewed in the 17th century?

d.

Is the following statement true or false?

Badajoz's wall is the longest in Spain.