The Emperor Charles V Route

It is fine to follow this route at any time of the year, but there is no doubt that if you go in February you will be able to recall the journey which the Emperor Charles V took in 1556, embellished with theatre performances, concerts and a host of other activities which will make your journey a unique experience.

This is a route which recreates the arrival of the Emperor in Jarandilla on 12 November 1556. This route exactly follows the old way which went from Jarandilla de la Vera to Cuacos de Yuste via Aldeanueva de la Vera as far as the Monastery of Yuste, where the Emperor Charles V decided to spend the last days of his life and whose construction he personally ordered. But don't worry of you're not in top form because the route's 10 kilometres are considered to be "low difficulty".

If you have decided to take a stroll around Jarandilla before setting off on your trip then you have really taken the best decision. Places which really must be seen here are the Church of San Agustín, the Fortress Church of Nuestra Señora de la Torre, the Shrines of Nuestra Señora de Sopetrán and of Cristo del Humilladero, the Roman Bridge, the Picota (Pillory) and the Castle of Oropesa.

The true starting point for this imperial route is right next to this town, in the very same Castle of Oropesa, which has now been converted into a "Parador Nacional". But before you leave, it is well worth visiting the well-preserved palace of arms and the keep.  

Once on your way, take the Cuesta de los Carros as far as the Parral bridge which negotiates the Jaranda gorge. Take the road on the right and you will immediately find yourself surrounded by fields of the famous paprika of La Vera, tobacco, oak trees, olive trees, etc. Also in this area, if you keep your ears open, you are likely to hear blackbirds and oropendolas amongst the fragrant rockroses and thyme. Then, when you least expect it, you'll find yourself in Aldeanueva de la Vera, with its rectangular bullring.

In Aldeanueva you should also visit the Church of San Pedro with its parish museum, the palace of Bishop Godoy and some examples of popular architecture such as the Fuente de los Ocho Caños (Fountain of the Eight Spouts) from where you return to the path to Cuacos crossing the Tejar Bridge suspended over the gorge of Los Guachos.  Hikers highlight this point in the path for its freshness and fragrance.

Before you know it you'll find yourself in Cuacos de Yuste, a picturesque municipality with narrow streets and typical half-timbered houses. You really must see the Parish Church of La Asunción, situated in an old Jewish quarter; the square of the Fuente de los Chorros; and the House of Don Juan de Austria, illegitimate son of the Emperor.

From this point only the final stretch remains which will take you to the Monastery of Yuste, beside which Charles V ordered the building of the palace where he would spend the final days until his death. Once there you will also find the German cemetery, the final resting place of some ex-combatants from the First and Second World Wars, the Cross of the Calvary, the Monastery and the house of the Emperor.