Tourism map Sierra de San Pedro - Los Baldíos

NATURE The extensive area of Sierra de San Pedro - Los Baldíos and its special orography, in which mountains and valleys merge with arable plains and meadows, and a great many streams that enable a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes to flourish, convert this region into one of the richest and most varied areas in Extremadura, with respect to flora and fauna.

Practically all the municipal boundaries have vast meadows and Mediterranean woodland, in which the natural habitat of many native species and an important agricultural and livestock industry co-exist peacefully, making this area a fine example of sustained development.

The Mediterranean woodland of Sierra de San Pedro is the principal ecosystem in the region, and one of the largest and best conserved in Europe, with some redoubts that even today conserve their original natural state, without having suffered any alteration whatsoever. This area, which has great ecological value, is a shelter for endangered species as significant as the Spanish imperial eagle, the black vulture, the partridge eagle or the black stork, for which reason today it is recognized as a Special Zone for the protection of Birds.

Also, the beautiful landscapes and varied flora and fauna of the nearby river Tagus with its tributary the Séver and neighbouring tributaries, form another nature reserve of great interest, known as the Tajo y Riberos Zone (International Stretch and Dykes of the River Tagus).

At the western boundary of the central strip of the region, extending throughout the municipal boundaries of Valencia de Alcántara, San Vicente de Alcántara and La Codosera, is Sierra Fría, forming a natural frontier.

This range is part of the Portuguese Sierra de Mamede. The region is covered with large extensions of pine forests, alternating with chestnuts, cork oaks, arbutus, wild olives, etc., and stable colonies of tawny vultures can be seen on the rocky ridges, as well as some lone partridge eagles, serpent eagles and great horned owls, and many species of terrestrial fauna.

THE REGION Located in the west of the central strip of Extremadura, the area of

Sierra de San Pedro - Los Baldíos is between Portugal and the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz.

It is bordered by the Sierra Fría mountain range that links up to Sierra de la Estrella, the natural frontier of the estuaries of the Tagus and Sever rivers, the Portugese border and Sierra de San Pedro which crosses the centre of the area. The whole zone is bathed by many streams and tributaries on both sides, flowing into the Salor and Alburrel rivers, the Tagus estuary or the Gévora and Zapatón, from the Guadiana.

This peculiar orography and the wide extension of the area have given rise to its extremely rich landscape and diverse ecosystems, which alternates between plains and mountains, pastures and Mediterranean woodland, mountain or river woodland, olive trees and pines or grass, and a combination of granite and slate soil, which makes the region of Sierra de San Pedro - Los Baldíos one of the most important regions of Extremadura due to its abundant natural resources and great dviersity of flora and fauna.

The area is divided up between both provinces of Extremadura, and is formed by twelve townships: Alburquerque, Carbajo, Cedillo, Herrera de Alcántara, Herreruela, La Codosera, Membrío, Salorino, Santiago de Alcántara, San Vicente de Alcántara, Valencia de Alcántara and Villar del Rey. With a surface area of 2,600 square km and a very low population density (little more than 27,000 inhabitants), the region has a very characteristic geographical lay-out, with tiny villages or hamlets scattered all over it, forming what is called the “Campiña” (countryside). Each of these has its own cultural and geographical personality, giving rise to a great diversity of landscapes, traditional and sites to visit, such as the Campiña de Valencia de Alcántara or that of La Codosera, to give a few examples.

Access to the area is mainly along the N-521, which links Cáceres with Valencia de Alcántara and Portugal, and the EX-110, between Badajoz and Alburquerque.

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HISTORY

GASTRONOMY

T

his land has been inhabited for many centuries, as can be seen in the great abundance of remains found throughout the region such as household furniture and effects, arrow tips, diverse hunting objects, etc., that belonged to the Neolithic and Calcolithic periods, and in particular, owing to the existence of one of the largest and best-conserved megalithic sites in Europe, formed by a considerable number of dolmens.

The passage of the Romans is also patent, in the existence of many constructions of that time, such as aqueducts, bridges, roads, water pipes, fountains, etc., scattered all over the different municipal boundaries.

The Arab dominion of these lands is clearly seen in the abundant documentation that bears witness to successive Arab conquests, alternating with Christian reconquests carried out, for the most part, by the orders of Alcántara and Santiago. This can be seen in the archaeological remains corresponding to that period, such as the water tanks that still exist, or the castle and fortress of Valencia de Alcántara, built on the foundations of an old Arab fortress.

Also, the presence of the Jews in the area can be seen in the constructions that have survived since that period, such as the Mediaeval quarter of Alburquerque or the Gothic quarter of Valencia de Alcántara, with its recently refurbished synagogue.

The strategic interest of the region during the time of the reconquest led to the construction of the impressive castle of Alburquerque in 1276, which was put off by the reconquest wars. During the battles between the princes of Aragón and Juan II of Castile, Alburquerque was besieged and handed over to the Lord High Constable Álvaro de Luna in 1432. Several years afterwards, in 1464, construction was finally terminated, giving it its current configuration.

The region has borne witness to many relevant acts such as the wedding of Doña Isabel, daughter of the Catholic Kings, to Manuel “the Fortunate”, King of Portugal in the church of Rocamador in Valencia de Alcántara, which started a period of prosperous relations between both countries. Record is also made of the visit of Princess Maria of Portugal to Herreruela, in 1543, on her way to wed Felipe II. The name of the street where the house in which she spent the night stood is now called the street of “La Princesa”.

D

ue to the importance of livestock in the Sierra de San Pedro - Los Baldíos region, the gastronomy of the region is characterised by its meat, which also concides with the long-standing tradition of the “slaughtering of the pig” for many families. This is evident in the fact that many townships include it as a special local festival in the form of a popular “slaughtering” ceremony in which all the neighbours and visitors take part, as well as those of Cedillo, Herreruela, Membrío or Santiago de Alcántara.

The denominations of origin “Dehesa de Extremadura” for Iberian ham, and the specific denomination “Corderex” for lamb and “Ternera de Extremadura” for veal, used by most livestock producers in this area to protect their products, are proof of the quality and origin of the meat produced in this region.

Very important elements of local gastronomy are Iberican pork sausages, such as “morcones” (blood sausage), “paneras” “patateras”, “ariñeras”, “chorizos”, “salchichones” (all different varieties of sausage), “lomos” (pork loin), “paletillas” (ham shoulders) or hams that can be enjoyed in the bars and restaurants of all the townships.

The cheeses of this region are also of high quality, due to the influence in the quality of the milk of the area’s rich pasturelands on which the animals are fed. The great variety of flora in the region also contributes to the production of a first-class honey.

The abundance of game (both large and small) means that many traditional dishes of the region are prepared based on the excellent game that is hunted throughout the whole territory.

There is also a wide assortment of sweets and desserts in the region, such as “empanadillas” (pasties), “perrunillas” (biscuits), “rosquillas” (doughnuts), “bollos de Pascua” (Easter buns), “chicharrón” (pork crackling), “magdalenas” (sponge cakes), “filloses” “serradura”, “arroz con leche” (rice pudding) etc., many of which, as with the rest of its gastronomy, take their inspiration from the culinary tradition of its neighbour Portugal.

The whole region has many restaurants where one can enjoy the magnificent cuisine, and some of its more typical dishes, such as the “frite” (lamb dish) cochinillo (pork), “chanfaina” (lamb stew) or “buche” (sweetbreads)

The fact of its being a frontier region of great strategic importance meant that the region was involved in many historic events, and suffered the aftermath of wars such as the Portuguese wars, the war of Separation or the war of Independence.

E X T R E M A D U R A - S PA I N

ALBURQUERQUE

Although the exact year in which this city was founded is not known, early references made to it say that it was taken from the Almorávides by Fernando II of León, who offered it to the Military Order of Santiago. It was again conquered by the Arabs in 1184 until Alfonso IX finally reconquered it.

The Castillo de Luna (13th century), one of the most important castles along La Raya (the frontier with Portugal), consists of four echeloned enclosures on the north side. Its interior houses a series of buildings such as the Roman Chapel of Santa María del Castillo. At the back of the fortress is the Torre del Homenaje, a square, five-storey structure. Near it is the Torre de los Cinco Picos (Tower of the Five Peaks), which is pentagonal in shape. The tower has three storeys and was built in 1464. Both towers communicate with each other by means of a drawbridge supported by an ogee arch more than ten metres high.

Alburquerque is considered a HistoricArtistic Site, and apart from the castle, the buildings of the mediaeval quarter, with their ogee façades are worth a visit, as well as the gates to the fortress, the Town gate and the Valencia Gate, and a large section of the city walls, which date back to the 13th century. Also, the church of Santa María del Mercado, built in the 15th century. Outside the walls, the most important buildings are the parish church of San Mateo (16th century) and the convent of San Francisco (18th century).

In the surrounding areas, the castle of Azagala and the Marian Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carrión are also worth visiting.

We should mention, in addition, the importance of the cave paintings of the “Risco de San Blas”, which were painted during the Bronze Age, without forgetting the magnificent natural surroundings of the town, set amidst the Special Zone for the Protection of Birds in Sierra de San Pedro.

There are signposted routes, such as the one that leads to the castle of Azagala, the Paleochristian shrine of the Santiagos or the route of the “smugglers”,

that takes us to Portugal.

In Alburquerque, it is possible to enjoy many summer festivities, such as the independent music festival “Contem-pop-ránea”, in July, a festival of reference ein Spain, in which important pop and rock groups take part.

blacken each other’s faces with pieces of burned cork (the masquerade).

CEDILLO

In the middle of August, the “Mediaeval Festival” (which was recently declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest) is held. This festival attracts many visitors to the town, and includes many activities recreating life in the Middle Ages (with the help of the locals).

In addition, the Living Passion is organized out near the castle, during Easter Week and on September 7, the whole town turns out for the pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carrión, the patron saint of the town.

CARBAJO

In this pretty town, we can enjoy wonderful views from vantage points such as that of Sierra de la Polea and Sierra Bejarano, and spots of great beauty such as the Fuente El Caño and the Tajo Internacional, and also pay a visit to its 17th century church which is built on a cemetary.

There are hiking routes, rural cottages and areas for relaxation and enjoyment such as El Pilón and San Juan.

It is also possible to play sports in the Sports Pavilion practice outdoor sports such as hunting and fishing.

In Carbajo, the festivities of the patron saint, Santa Marina, Easter Saturday, Resurrection Sunday, Easter Monday and the Festivals of the Emigrant held during the second week of August, are all quite important, without forgetting Shrove Tuesday, when there is a great fancy-dress party, and “El Magusto” on November 1, when everyone goes out in large groups to celebrate a wonderful day in the countryside, and the Christmas Eve “Masquerade” that ends in a large bonfire in which people

In Cedillo, the original church of San Antonio de Padua, built of brick and slate at the end of the 19th century, is well worth a visit as well as the excellent Ethnographic Museum, located in “El Casón”, a noble house dating from the same period.

Also, the megalithic site is worth visiting, which is composed of 23 dolmens and anthropomorphic tombs, as well as the Tajo-Sever Nature Interpretation Centre.

Also extremely unique are its natural beauty spots and the “Tajo Internacional” stretch (which is a Special Zone for the Protection of Birds) that runs through the municipal boundary, with different signposted routes for hiking along the Tagus and Sever rivers, and routes to the dolmens or places of exceptional beauty.

There is also a hostal and an excellent Farm and School facility.

Among the most important festivities of Cedillo is Shrove Tuesday, when the “Flour War” takes place. This is a war between the men and women who throw flour at each other, or the “Matanza Internacional” held in the middle of February, as a means of vindicating a permanent route to Portugal, which today is cut off by a dam, and only opens at weekends.

The festivity of “Jueves de los Compadres” is very also very popular. During this event, which takes place just two months before Resurrection Sunday, all the single men of the town are paired off with each other in a draw, as best friends for the whole year. Other important festivals are the pilgrimage of May 13 in honour of the patron saint of the town, Our Lady of Fatima, the festivity of the patron saint, San Antonio de Padua on June 13, and the Emigrants’ Day, which is held on August 15, during which time different festivities are organised, and finally, an International Folklore Festival.

HERRERA DE ALCÁNTARA Buildings such as the church of San Sebastián Martir (16th C), with its Articulated Christ figure, to which homage is paid with its descent and burial on Good Friday and the Clock Tower (19th C) exist alongside more ancient architectural elements, represented by the remains of dolmens and Celtic towns.

However, the most important tourist attractions of Herrera de Alcántara are its natural beauty spots, with their attractive flora and fauna, and vantage points such as the Arroyo Negrales or Puente Viejo del regato Cabrioso, and the Tajo Internacional, with its vantage points, fisheries and the huts along the old Dock. There are many routes to take us through these wonderful settings, as well as many rural cottages in Finca Tres Riveros and Finca Solana.

A very special festival is “La Rosca”, held on the nearest Sunday to the festivity of Las Candelas on February 2, when a ring of bread is offered to the Virgin, divided up into pieces.

In addition, the “La Mascarrá” (Masquerade) on the morning of Shrove Tuesday, when the young people blacken the faces of passers-by with pieces of burned cork.

Other feast days are the pilgrimage of the Day of Fatima, the Saturday nearest toe May 13, and the festivities of San Juan, from June 23 to 25, in honour of the patron saint of the town.

LEISURE AND CULTURE

HERRERUELA In Herreruela, the church of Our lady of the Encarnation (18th c) is worth visiting, as well as the stone bridge over the river Salor, the windmill, the Large Holm Oak and the anthropomorphic tombs.

Its municipal boundary also has excellent conditions for nature activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking or observing and studying the fauna in the Special Zone for the Protection of Birds in Sierra de San Pedro.

Its festivities include the “Fiesta de los Tomillos” (Thyme Festival), on June 23, in which the young men and the Butler, accompanied by San Juan, the patron saint of the town, go to the countryside for thyme wood, and are received in the afternoon by the bride, the Godmother and the rest of the town. Punch is served to all those participating and the night ends with a traditional bonfire using the collected firewood. Also, the “Matanza Popular”, held on the last Saturday in February, in which all the inhabitants of the town take part, and the “Fiesta del Magusto”, on November 1, when everyone goes out into the country in groups for a picnic, are other traditional local festivities.

The feastday of San Juan, on June 24, when a great many events are organised during the days leading up to it, and the Carnival with the “Rifa del Piñonate” (Pine-nuts draw) on the Sunday, are other festivities in which many locals and visitors from outside the region participate.

LA CODOSERA Its most important historic buildings are the castle (13th C), the church of Our Lady of Remedies (15th C), the church of Our Lady of the Light (16th C) and the shrines of Our Lady of the Carmen and Our Lady of Chandavila.

In addition to other ancient constructions such as the B.C. Roman Bridge

or the Molino del Duque, the popular architecture of this town is of great interest, as well as the frontier hamlets of El Marco, La Rabaza and La Tojera.

Nature-lovers can enjoy various routes for hiking, cycling or travelling by car, as well as hunting and fishing, visiting natural springs, bathing in the the natural pools of the river Gévora or relaxing in any of its hostals and rural cottages.

T

he region of Sierra de San Pedro - Los Baldíos, with its rich diversity of ecosystems, is ideal for nature activities.

It has a great many signposted routes for visiting castles, shrines, dolmens, vantage points, etc., or routes that were once used as frontier passes and by smugglers. All these routes are excellent for hiking or cycling, and some even offer the chance to go horseriding and quad riding.

It is also possible to practice sports such as archery, climbing in Sierra Fría, hunting of large and small game, which is in plentiful supply all over the territory, or different modes of fishing in the reservoirs and rivers, or in the fisheries in Herrera de Alcántara, in the Tagus estuary.

And, most important of all, this area is of special interest to ornithologists, botanists or mycologists, or simply for all those who wish to relax in the country in some of its many rural cottages, and enjoy its beautiful landscape.

Those who enjoy cultural tourism can visit the rich historic heritage of its townships, with their castles, churches, shrines, fountains, mills, and dolmens dotted all over the territory as well as many anthropomorphic tombs or cave paintings.

Some of the most important are: in Alburquerque, the Mediaeval quarter and the beautiful Castillo de Luna, which is so well conserved that it is now used as a Youth Hostal by the Junta de Extremadura (regional government); in Valencia de Alcántara, the Gothic and Jewish quarter, the church of Rocamador, with its marvellous artistic heritage, and above all, the magnificent group of dolmens making up the Megalithic Site that can be visited and admired by following the signposted routes.

Another way to enjoy one’s free time is to participate in the many festivities and traditions held all the year round in the region of Sierra de San Pedro - Los Baldíos. Most of these festivities and fairs take place in the summer, and are dedicated to the emigrants who return to their region to spend their holidays.

In addition to the importance of festivals such as the “Contem-pop-ránea” music festival and the “Mediaeval Festival” of Alburquerque, or the significance in Valencia de Alcántara of the traditions of many villages such as the “Crosses of May” or San Isidro Labrador, festivities such as the Carnival, Easter Week or the Feastdays of the Patron Saints deserve a special mention, all of which have the traditional and cultural identity of each particular town, making them unique and singular. In addition, the “traditional slaughtering ceremonies” are held in most towns, among which the most famous is the “Matanza Internacional” (International Slaughtering Ceremony) of Cedillo.

Saturday before Sunday Gras. Also important are the festivities of San Bernabé, on June 11, the festivities of San Antonio on June 13 and those of the town’s patron saint, Our Lady of Grace, on August 15, as well as the merriment of the Carnival, in which throngs of people participate, and a popular fancy-dress ball is held on Monday-gras.

A great many festivities are held in this town, such as the Carnival, the multinudinary pilgrimage held on the last Sunday in May to the shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows of Chandavila, the patron saint festivities of San Juan, the festivities of Our Lady of the Carmen, held on July 16 in la Varse de la Noguera, the fairs and local feastdays of the second week of August or the festivity of San Miguel on September 29.

MEMBRÍO The popular architecture of this town is also of special interest, and it also has important buildings such as the church of Our Lady of Grace (18th C) or the shrine of San Bernabé. Other places of interest are the Cave of Chico Cabrera, the old mines with a place for washing minerals, mills and fountains.

It has different nature spots that are worth visiting, such as the reservoirs of El Cementerio and Jabalina or the ponds of Los Burros and El Santo, and extremely beautiful landscapes near the Tagus. There are several interesting hiking routes and the region is also excellent for hunting and fishing, as well as having a Sports Complex.

One of the most important festivities is the traditional Matanza Extremeña, which is organised for the town on the

In addition, there are other festivities such as the Fiesta Campera, which is held on the second Sunday in May, in Los Molinos, the faris and festivities that are held form August 18-22 or the countryside picnic or “Magusto”, held on November 1 in S. de San Pedro.

ALBURQUERQUE • Hotel Las Alcabalas** Tlf.: 924 401 102 • Hotel Machaco** Tlf.: 924 400 181 / 924 400 251 • Hostal Balanus** Tlf.: 924 400 578 • Hotel Rural Cortijo Los Cantos Tlf.: 924 14 12 68 / 69 / 70 • Albergue Hostal Juvenil Castillo de Luna Tlf.: 924 015 562 CARBAJO • Hotel Rural Baldío Grande Tlf.: 927 491 014 / 913 083 815 • Casa Rural Rural cottage Baldío Grande (1.)

Tlf.: 927 491 014 / 913 083 815 • Apartamento Rural Apartments Rural Tajo Internacional Tlf.: 927 592 037 CEDILLO • Fonda Inn Robledo Tlf.: 927 590 068 • Residencia Municipal Municipal Residence La Machiera Tlf.: 927 590 029 LA CODOSERA • Casa Rural Rural cottage La Casa Grande de Adolfo (2 e.)

Tlf.: 924 233 291 • Casa Rural Rural cottage La Jara (2 e.)

Tlf.: 924 404 056 / 686 110 997 • Albergue-Comedor Los Baldíos Tlf.: 675 508 356 / 924 404 287 HERRERA DE ALCÁNTARA • Hostal Puri* Tlf.: 927 591 002 • Casas Agroturismo Agrotourism cottages Dehesa Tres Riveros (2 y 1 e.)

Tlf.: 923 238 185 / 927 491 089 • Casas Agroturismo Agrotourism cottages La Solana (2 e.)

Dehesa Solana Tlf.: 927 491 081

which is celebrated by the whole town and visitors from other places, the cultural week of which the most important day is July 25, the day of Santiago the Apostle, the summer festivities held on the second Sunday in August, and, most important of all, the patron saint festivities of Cristo de las Batallas, from September 1-4.

SAN VICENTE DE ALCÁNTARA

SANTIAGO DE ALCÁNTARA

SALORINO

Among its traditions is the celebration of the Alleluya on the night Holy Saturday when the town inhabitants go through the streets of the town shaking cowbells.

The patron saint festivities of San Ildefonso on January 23 give rise to many cultural and leisure activities organised during the Cultural Week, with exhibitions, theatre productions, dancing, traditional slaughtering ceremonies, etc.

LOCAL SERVICES AND ACCOMMODATION

In this town, the parish church of San Ildefonso (18th C) is worth a visit, and the ruins of the shrine of Santa Ana (16th C). It also has many fountains, mills and ancient bridges, such as the Infierno and La Mediana bridges, in addition to anthropomorphic tombs.

The most important bulding in this town is the shrine of Santiago and Santo Domingo (12th C), which today is the “El Pendere” Nature Interpretation Centre. This building has a series of important frescos; also, the church of Our Lady of Consolation (1518th C), ancient constructions such as the mill of El Batán or the Puente Viejo de la Ribera and the cave paintings in the Cave of Buraco and la Grajera.

There are also many dolmens of considerable architectural importance, such as Lagunita III, which has been reconstructed.

Its geographical location, in the Special Zone for the Protection of Birds in Sierra de San Pedro, makes it a site of great natural beauty, with vantage points such as Puerto Elice and Torrico San Pedro, which are the favourite spots of bird-watchers.

In addition, those who enjoy fishing can practise their favourite sport in the Charca Grande reservoir and those who enjoy hiking have several routes from which to choose, such as the routes of Los Molinos and El Torrico. The rural cottages guarantee accommodation in communion with nature.

Among the most significant buildins of this town are the parish church of San Vicente Mártir (17th C), the old Franciscan convent that has been reconverted into the Cultural Hall, the shrine of Santa Ana (18th C), which has a great many paintings, the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, the ruins of the castle of Mayorga, and the castle of Piedrabuena (14th C), which is extremely well conserved, and set in beautiful surroundings.

Many coats of armour can be seen on the noble buildings of this town, as well as dolmens, menhirs, anthropomorphioc tombs and Roman remains in the surrounding areas, while the tradition of its cork industry is evident in the many corktransformation plants that can be seen.

One of the most delightful aspects of this town is the natural beauty spot of the Tajo Internacional and Sierra de San Pedro, which can be viewed from the vantage point at Cabeza del Buey or Peña Chorizera, among others.

There are several routes for hiking and many rural cottages and hostals.

Also, the spring of La Geregosa, the water of which has medicinal properties.

The most important festivities are the Matanza Tradicional in February

The enormous wealth of its natural resources, the beauty of its landscape and the abundance of flora and fauna can all be appreciated in the “Sierra de San Pedro” Nature Interpretation Centre, and from the “Celestino Ramajo” bird observatory.

Among its traditional festivities is the Night of the Fire, on January 21, in homage to its patron saint, San Vicente Mártir, when the young men set fire to the firewood collected and go through the town blackening the faces of people with burnt cork.

MEMBRÍO • Casa Rural y Apartamento Rural cottage-Apartments La Nora (1 e.)

Tlf.: 927 594 125 SANTIAGO DE ALCÁNTARA • Albergue Hostal El Buraco Tlf.: 927 592 257 SAN VICENTE DE ALCÁNTARA • Albergue Hostal Molino de Jola Tlf.: 616 346 762 • Casa Rural Rural cottage Sierra de San Pedro (2 e.)

Tlf. 924 410 070 / 649 303 865 VALENCIA DE ALCÁNTARA • Hotel El Clavo* Tlf.: 927 580 268 • Hotel Ibérica* Tlf.: 927 580 150 • Hotel Rural El Convento Caserío de San Pedro de los Majarretes Tlf.: 927 584 429 • Albergue Hostal Santa María de Guadalupe Tlf.: 927 584 059 • Hostal Nairobi* Tlf.: 927 580 136 • Pensión La Serrana Tlf.: 927 580 020 • Apartamentos Rurales Apartments Rural Marcelino Aceña de la Borrega Tlf.: 927 599 059 / 650 408 988 • Casas y Apartamentos Rurales Apartments Rural Puerto Roque (3 e.)

Tlf.: 927 584 171 • Casa y Apartamentos Rurales Apartments Rural El Jiniebro (2 e.)

Aceña de la Borrega Tlf.: 927 584 062 / 636 417 812 • Apartamento Rural Apartments Rural Pinar de Jola. Jola Tlf.: 690 821 624 • Casas Agroturismo Agrotourism cottages Virgen de la Cabeza (2 e.)

Aceña de la Borrega Tlf.: 924 251 791 / 676 830 547

Also, the pilgrimages of Mayorga, which are celebrated on the first Sunday in May, the pilgrimage of Fatima on the second Sunday in May, and that of San Isidro, in the middle of May, as well as the popular Fiesta del Guindo, on the night of June 23, and the traditional Cork Festivities on September 29.

VALENCIA DE ALCÁNTARA Its important heritage bears witness to the different cultures that have exisited in this town, where Romans and Arabs have left their mark through different constructions denoting the importance of this site, such as the Roman aqueduct of the 1st century A.D. which still exists. The town was also inhabited by the Jews, as can be seen in the marvellous Gothic-Jewish quarter consisting of nineteen streets with more than two hundred linteled ogee façades. There is also an Interpretation Centre and a synagogue dating back to the 15th century that was recently restorated.

The most important building is the archpriest church of Our Lady of Rocamador (16th-17th C), which is rectangular in shape, with three aisles and a triple sanctuary, and covered with a beautiful groined vault. The façade is neoclassic in style, consisting of three parts, and was built in the 18th century.

It also has a magnificent Herrerian tower and a baroque altar piece II that is attributed to the school of Churriguera. Its interior houses marvellous works of art such as the “Cristo de las Batallas”, by Berruguete or the panel

by Luis de Morales “El Divino” known as “La Virgen y los Santos Juanes”.

Near the church are the remains of the ancient Arab castle that was transformed into a fortress, proof of its importance as a frontier town.

LOCAL SERVICES AND ACCOMMODATION • Casa Rural Rural cottage El Regato (1 e.)

Tlf.: 927 491 078 / 660 451 270 • Casa Rural Rural cottage Moontenuevo (2 e.)

Tlf.: 927 599 021 / 630 621 385 Aceña de la Borrega • Casa Rural Rural cottage La Jiguera (2 e.)

Casiñas Bajas Tlf.: 927 582 591 / 669 550 655 • Casa Rural Rural cottage Salto del Caballo (1 e.)

Tlf.: 927 580 865 VILLAR DEL REY • Hostal Gallego** Tlf.: 924 414 098

• Casas Rurales Rural cottage El Castañar (1enc.) Puerto Roque Tlf.: 927 584 040 / 629 237 753 • Apartamentos Rurales Apartments Rural Quinta de Luna.

Aceña de la Borrega Tlf.: 639 483 667 • Apartamentos Rurales Apartments Rural La Macera Tlf.: 639 548 709 / 927 582 299 • Casas Rurales Rural cottage La Tora (2 y 1enc.).

Finca La Tora Tlf.: 924 410 186 / 686 965 445

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TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES

Oficina de Turismo Tourist Office ALBURQUERQUE Tlf.: 924 401 202 Oficina de Turismo Tourist Office VALENCIA DE ALCÁNTARA Tlf.: 927 582 184 Oficina Municipal de Turismo Tourist Municipal Office LA CODOSERA Tlf.: 924 404 052. Fax: 924 404 426 CEDER (Centro de Desarrollo Rural Rural Development Centre) Asociación para el desarrollo de la Association for the Development of the Mountain Area Sierra de San Pedro - Los Baldíos Tlf.: 927 582 342. Fax: 927 668 141 C/ Fray Martín, 2. 10500 VALENCIA DE ALCÁNTARA. (Cáceres) sanpedrolosbaldios@yahoo.es CENTROS DE INTERPRETACIÓN DE LA NATURALEZA EN LA COMARCA SIERRA DE SAN PEDRO-LOS BALDIOS Centro de Interpret. de la Naturaleza Interpretation Centre of Nature “EL PÉNDERE” Tlf.: 927 592 311. C/ El Lagar (Plazuela de Santo Domingo). SANTIAGO ALCÁNTARA “Alas” Centro de Interpretación Interpretation Centre of Nature SIERRA DE S. PEDRO Tlfs.: 924 410 050 / 924 410 478. Plaza Joaquín Sama s/n. S. VICENTE DE ALCÁNTARA Centro de Interpretación Interpretation Centre of Nature “RÍO ZAPATÓN” Tlf.: 924 414 810. C/ Guardia Civil s/n. VILLAR DEL REY Aula de la Naturaleza “TAJO-SÉVER” Tlf.: 927 590 029. C/ Velázquez s/n. CEDILLO

www.sierrasanpedrolosbaldios.com

The town, which is declared a Historic-Artistic Site, has its own Interpretation Centre and other important buildings such as the church of the Encarnation, (15th C), the convent of Santa Clara (16th C), the walls of Puerta de las Huertas (17th C), or the Town Hall which was built in the 18th century.

However, the most important attractions of Valencia de Alcántara are the dolmens, funerary monuments for burying the dead, indivudally or in groups, in accordance with the ritual of inhumation, as a result of which intact remains are often found in them, and also objects next to the dead. Granite was normally used to construct the dolmens, although on occasions they were made of slate.

Once made, they were covered with earth, with only the top slab visible. The 48 dolmens conserved belong to the Neolithic and Calcolithic periods and are dated around four or five thousand years B.C. They have been declared Objects of Cultural Interest, under the classification Megalithic Enclosure, and are the largest and best conserved dolmens in Western Europe.

VILLAR DEL REY A visit to the church of Our Lady of the Rosary (16th C), with its splendid carving of the Virgin of Our Lady of Good Health is certainly not to be missed, as well as the shrines of Our Lady of the River and Our Lady of Remedies, both built in the 17th century.

In addition to other interesting sites such as the Pozo de las Nieves (17th C) or the fountains of El Pilar and El Corcho, it also has several dolmens that are worth a visit.

Within its municipal boundary are places of enormous beauty, such as the Boyal meadow, the banks of the river Zapatón or the Peña del Águila reservoir, an excellent site for fishing.

It also has excellent hunting grounds, and interesting nature walks, such as the route along the Cañada Real (an ancient cattle trail).

There are many signposted routes for visiting the dolmens, and also a hiking route that crosses over into Portugal.

Also, the surrounding countryside is worth visiting, which is formed by tiny hamlets set in natural beauty spots.

In addition to the festivities of these tiny hamlets that are celebrated during the year, many festivities take place in Valencia de Alcántara, such as the Procession of the Three Wise Men, the pilgrimage of Easter Monday, “Los Mayos”, on May 1, with rag dolls parodying topics of current interest, the Crosses of May, on May 3, with many crosses made of flowers adorning the streets of the city, the Offering of May 31 in the sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, the Fair of San Bartolomé, from August 23-28, the Day of Remedies, with a pilgrimage to the shrine of the patron saint on the first Sunday in September, or the traditional All Saints Day festivities, when people roast chestnuts in the countryside.

Also important are the Pilgrimage of San Isidro on May 15, which has been declared a festival of Regional Tourist Interest, with its impressive procession of decorated floats and horseriders specially dressed for the occasion.

Among the festive traditions of Villar del Rey are the “Quintos”, during the first two weeks of February, when the young men who are eligible for “military service” meet together to have a meal and organize a draw for flowerpots they have stolen the night before.

“Los Campanillos” on the night of Easter Saturday, when theyoung men go through the streets of the town shaking cowbells, and “Las Iluminarias”, held on the first Saturday in October, when bonfires are lit to frighten away the evil spirits and ensure the next harvest is even better than the last.

Also important are the Carnival festivities, in which all the townsfolk take part, and the pilgrimage to the shringe of Our Lady of the River, on Resurrection Sunday, and the fairs and festivities held from August 14-17.