The Largest Roundabout in Europe: How a Road in Extremadura Became a Phenomenon. In Extremadura, far from major cities, the ring road around Cerro Masatrigo has become the largest 'roundabout' in Europe. This is not just a feat of engineering but a rare blend of nature, history, and infrastructure.
In the province of Badajoz, within the municipality of Esparragosa de Lares, the ring road around Cerro Masatrigo has long been a local landmark. Although officially it is not an urban roundabout, but a section of the EX322 highway, this is where the largest “roundabout” in Europe by diameter is located—1.3 kilometers across.
The road circles a conical hill rising to 526 meters and winds through a unique landscape between the waters of the La Serena reservoir and green slopes. From a bird’s-eye view, the ring of asphalt appears as a giant geometric figure, and Cerro Masatrigo itself sits at the center of this unusual composition.
Where this unusual road is located
The ring road is located in the La Siberia region, known for its nature reserves and sparsely populated areas. Cerro Masatrigo itself is officially recognized as a Natural Monument of Extremadura and is part of the Red Natura 2000 protected sites network. It's also within a Special Protection Area for birds, making the location attractive not only to drivers but also to nature enthusiasts.
Why Cerro Masatrigo is called the 'magic mountain'
Locals and tourists often refer to Cerro Masatrigo as the “magic mountain” because of its shape and panoramic views. From the summit, there is a sweeping view of the La Serena reservoir and the open spaces of La Siberia. According to the Turismo La Siberia portal, the hill serves as a kind of natural balcony, and the ring road emphasizes its isolation and uniqueness.
How this road came to be
The construction of the road around Cerro Masatrigo is linked to the creation of the La Serena reservoir in the second half of the 20th century. Engineers had to adapt the route to the new shorelines and terrain features. As a result, the road took on an unusual shape, originally intended to ensure communication between small villages, rather than serve as a tourist attraction.
Over time, the ring road became not only a transport artery but also a symbol of engineering compromise between nature and infrastructure. Similar cases, where abandoned or unusual sites find new life, can be seen in other regions of Spain — for example, an abandoned development near Valencia that has become a venue for sports games.
What you can see around Cerro Masatrigo
The area around Cerro Masatrigo is not only home to a rare type of road infrastructure for Europe but also features a rich natural landscape. The contrast between the blue reservoir, the green slopes, and the gray asphalt creates a memorable scene. Ornithologists and photographers are frequent visitors here, and the hill itself is a popular destination for hiking routes.
Routes and tips for visitors
For those wishing to explore Cerro Masatrigo on foot, two main trails are available: one runs along the perimeter at mid-elevation, while the other leads straight to the summit and requires greater physical fitness. Before setting out, it's worth assessing your abilities and choosing the appropriate route so the hike doesn't turn into an ordeal.
Thus, the ring road around Cerro Masatrigo is not just a traffic interchange, but an example of how engineering solutions can become part of the natural and cultural landscape. The site combines infrastructure rare for Europe, protected area status, and unique views, making it a notable phenomenon even among Spain’s other unusual landmarks.
