WEEKEND EXCURSIONS

A DAY OUT IN THE VALLEY OF THE ALAGÓN

Geographically this itinerary will run through the north of the Extremadura Community although it is in fact further south than Sierra de Gata and Las Hurdes and its neighbours in the Monfrague National Park. Coria, rich in history and artistic heritage, is the region’s metropolis.

AN ITINERARY FOR TOURISTS

We begin our itinerary in Coria, a Historic Site of Cultural Interest. Its origins go back to Roman times and amongst its most important buildings are the Cathedral, the castle and the Episcopal Palace. Barely a few kilometres away is Moraleja, set on the banks of the Árrago river, a magnificent example of a farming village full of historic buildings such as the Renaissance style Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la Piedad. We drive northwards and after we pass by La Moheda and the Borbollón leisure reservoir we come to Guijo de Coria.

                                                Coria's Walls

Towards the south now, we enter Calzadilla where we can discover its interesting Hermitage of the Santo Cristo. We pass by Coria again, en route to Puebla de Argeme and Morcillo. Driving along the banks of the river Alagón we pass by the village of La Aceña and come to Valdeobispo where we can see the Parish Church of San Pedro Apóstol and the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Valverde. We move on now to Santibáñez el Bajo and Aceituna which possesses an ashlar built ecclesiastical building from the 16th century, the Parish Church of Santa María. Ahigal lies close to the Gabriel y Galán reservoir; in the centre of the village is the 15th century Parish Church of la Asunción.

Passing by Guijo de Granadilla we come to another village which neighbours onto the Gabriel y Galán reservoir, Mohedas de Granadilla and thereafter Marchagaz, well known for its production of olives and olive oil. Palomero is next, its Parish Church of San Miguel is the village’s most noteworthy building. En route towards Villanueva de la Sierra we may stop awhile in the village of Santa Cruz de Paniagua which contains an outstanding rural style ecclesiastical building, the Parish Church of Santa María Magdalena.

Villanueva de la Sierra has a magnificent Plaza Mayor (Main Square) where we may observe Roman inscriptions on the doors of one of its buildings. Pozuelo de Zarzón sits in the middle of sleeping olive groves and possesses in its outskirts the interesting baroque style Hermitage of Cristo. Barkly a few kilometres away we come upon a place called Villa del Campo with its Baroque style Hermitage of Cristo and its beautiful granite Vía Crucis.

Close to Montehermoso is Guijo de Galisteo and its interesting Parish Church of San Pedro. Montehermoso is the next village on our itinerary, famous for its celebrated bonnets which adorn the typical costumes of the region. Just a few kilometres away we find Carcaboso, Aldeanueva del Jerte and Galisteo which is a walled village boasting an impressive Almohade period fortification. Further south and close to the A-66 motorway we come to Holguera where we may admire the 16th century Church of Santa Magdalena. Before visiting Torrejoncillo we call into Riolobos in which we will find the Parish Church of Santa Catalina.

Torrejoncillo is famous for its “La Encamisá” Festivity which has been declared of interest as a Regional Tourist Attraction. From there we can visit a place called Pedroso de Acím, famous for the Franciscan convent of San Pedro of Alcántara, better known as "El Palancar”. We bring our day to an end in Cañaveral, situated on the Silver Route, where we can visit its Parish Church of Santa María, built in a pleasingly ancient Gothic style. Near to Cañaveral we can visit the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Cabezón.

GASTRONOMY

Lamb and mountain goat stews and roasts almost everywhere along the itinerary. Honey, pollen, a dish called “ajopeces” and cheese. Sausages in Pozuelo de Zarzón. Ham in Villanueva de la Sierra and Santa Cruz de Paniagua. Home made pastries can be found in many villages along this itinerary. Wine and olive oil in the area around Moraleja and Coria.

HANDICRAFTS

Candle holders and works of gold in Torrejoncillo. Beautiful embroidery, dolls, pottery and typical headwear in Montehermoso. Metalwork handicrafts in Coria. Bronze bells in Montehermoso. Crochet in Pescueza.

FESTIVITIES

The Bulls in San Juan de Coria on the 23rd of June and the “Encamisá” in Torrejoncillo on the 7th of December have both been declared Festivities of Interest as Regional Tourist Attractions in Extremadura. On Saint Sebastian’s Day in the month of January the locality of Acehúche celebrates its “Carantoñas”, declared of interest as a Regional Tourist Attraction.

NATURE AND COUNTRYSIDE

This itinerary follows the course of the Alagón, the area’s major river and its source of income as the water it provides for irrigation enables a substantially agricultural way of life, as can be seen from the evident and admirable results. There is a curious and attractive contrast between the lowlands of the Alagón and the mountain ranges which have been repopulated with pines, oaks y chestnuts. Birds of prey and an exuberant flora exist in certain wetlands in the shady mountain regions.

The Borbollón reservoir and its unforgettable landscapes is a magnificent reference point for water sport lovers. Natural pools and pleasant areas for swimming in clean crystal clear water abound.