The first town in Spain declared a National Historic-Artistic Site almost 100 years ago: a medieval gem
The province of Salamanca boasts some of the most beautiful towns in Spain . Candelario, Ciudad Rodrigo, and Miranda del Castañar are just a few examples, but we also can't forget spectacular locations like La Alberca .
This town, which combines history, tradition, and art, boasts a rich heritage and a beautiful natural setting . It is also the first town in Spain to be declared a National Historic-Artistic Site almost 100 years ago .
From the Camino de Santiago to Don QuixoteThe origins of La Alberca date back to prehistoric times, as many of the cliffs surrounding the town, such as Lera and Las Batuecas, have been found with cave paintings dating back to the Neolithic period. These lands experienced a large influx of population during the Middle Ages , specifically between the 12th and 13th centuries.
Later, in the 15th century, an event of vital importance for the town occurred, "the discovery of the image of the Virgin of the Peña de Francia , which turned the sanctuary built later into a place of pilgrimage," according to the La Alberca Town Hall.
Thus, pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago began to pass through here, traveling along the so-called Southern Way along the Silver Road. The importance of this Virgin was such that she is even mentioned by Cervantes in Don Quixote .
We now arrive at 1940, with the recognition of La Alberca as a National Historic-Artistic Monument, the first town in the country to receive this status.
What to see in La AlbercaAt every turn, La Alberca surprises travelers with its meticulously crafted stone and wood architecture. Wandering through its streets, you'll reach the town's most important square, its main square , surrounded by balconied facades, arcades, and columns.
But we can't forget the wonderful natural surroundings that surround the town. It's located within the Las Batuecas-Sierra de Francia Natural Park, a unique protected area filled with valleys, lush forests, and high peaks. All of this is home to a wealth of wildlife : from wild boars and mountain goats to golden eagles and black storks.
How to get to La AlbercaThe drive from Salamanca to La Alberca takes one hour via the A-6, while from Ávila it takes two hours via the A-50. And if you're arriving from Madrid , the drive will take three hours, also via the A-50.
What towns to see near La Alberca?Near La Alberca, we can visit other equally interesting towns, such as Miranda del Castañar , located at the confluence of the Alagón and Francia rivers. The town stands on a hill in the heart of the Sierra de Francia, and its architectural heritage includes a fortified square, its wall, and its 14th and 15th-century castle.
Another town we can't miss is Mogarraz , which stands out for the facades of its traditional mountain architecture, adorned with portraits of its former inhabitants . The town is also surrounded by olive and cherry trees, vineyards, and oak and chestnut forests.
20minutos
