SURROUNDINGS

Situated in the northwestpart of the province of Cáceres, both the Sierra de Gata as wells the region of Las Hurdes are places with a special personality of their own, where the passage of time has respected the traditional forms of architecture, ancient customs and the vernacular language, called “fala” in Valley de Zálama: Valverde del Fresno, Eljas and San Martín de Trevejo. Coria, a town with an old quarter and perfectly preserved walls, a castle with a keep, and a 15th century Cathedral, is the starting point on this route.

Following the course of the Alagón river, we reach the Borbollón reservoir, a recreational spot for fishermen and boating enthusiasts. Not far to the north is Torre de Don Miguel, formerly a Roman settlement, with an impressive 15th century church devoted to La Asunción.

At the bottom of alovely valley surrounded by pinetrees is Gata, which has been designated a historic site of Cultural Interest.

Passing by Cadalso and Descargamaría, we reach Robledillo de Gata. Here wecan see good examples of popular architecture recovered for “rural tourism”. From the portico of the church, there is a lovely view of the town.  We must retrace our route partially and then head west to reach Hoyos, capital of the Sierra de Gata. In the western part of the Sierra, Trevejo, with a castle on the heights, commands our attention. The views as well as the examples of popular architecture are splendid. San Martín de Trevejo is of pre-Roman origin as evidenced by the stelae found here. Its arcaded square is a meeting place for the townspeople.

Nearby is Acebo, famous for its bobbin lace. On the way to Valverde del Fresno, we come across Eljas, completely engulfed by nature. Valverde is the last town in the western area of the sierra and has a number of houses made of adobe and wood. Of interest are the Plaza Mayor with lovely wooden arcades and the 16th century Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.

To begin our journey through Las Hurdes, we must return to Coria, but on the way we can stop  off in Cilleros, famous for the wines processed in the so-called bóvedas (vaulted caves). In the House Museum there is a permanent exhibit on traditional housing. Taking the C-512, we arrive at Pinofranqueado.

The natural pool under the bridge here is a mandatory stopping place. In Vegas de Coria, the road turns to ascend to Nuñomoral, a small village in a beautiful natural setting. We must return again to the C-512 to reach Las Mestas, famous for its honey and pollen.

El Ladrillar is a town further north, almost on the border between Extremadura and Salamanca. After Ríomalo, bordering on the region of Castilla y León, we can see the impressive meanders of the  Alagón river.On our way back to Coria, we go through Casar de Palomero, with old Arab and Jewish quarters which merit a visit. Marchagaz and Palomero are the last towns on our itinerary before leaving Las Hurdes.

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