La Garrovilla – Church, Cranes and Regional Traditions

At the highest point of La Garrovilla stands the Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción, the town’s most important historical monument.

Culture and History

The church’s Plateresque portal is considered one of the most monumental examples of the Plateresque style in Extremadura. As early as 1498, La Garrovilla already had a church dedicated to Nuestra Señora, which is associated with the Iglesia de Ntra. de la Asunción.

The Ermita de San Isidro Labrador is part of the local religious heritage. It was built by residents of La Garrovilla and inaugurated on 15 May 1957. Its square nave has round-arched arcades and houses depictions of San Isidro Labrador and San José. In the surrounding area of La Garrovilla, the chapel is located near the Lácara River on the Mancha de las Vacas estate; it is five kilometres from La Garrovilla.

The livestock fountain Pilar de la Sal is located on the Arroyo Salado stream and is also known locally as Pilar romano.

Nature and Routes

The Canchales Reservoir is located in the surrounding area of La Garrovilla. The 600-hectare site is designated as a Special Protection Area for birds and stores water from the Lácara River. Cranes and geese are listed as species present there in winter, while osprey, black-winged stilt and collared pratincole are listed for summer.

The Vuelta a los Canchales is a 43-kilometre circular cycling route with a low to moderate level of difficulty that starts and ends in La Garrovilla. It has only slight elevation differences, is considered easy to cycle for people with some cycling experience and allows stops for birdwatching.

Seasonal Routes

The Ruta de las Grullas takes place on the first Sunday in December, from La Garrovilla to the Canchales Reservoir. Various bird species, especially cranes, can be observed along the way. At the end of the route, Migas Extremeñas are sampled.

Other Places

Other places for your regional planning: Don Benito, Fuente De Cantos, Olivenza, Herrera Del Duque, La Rabaza, Salvaleón, La Codosera, Montemolín.

To find a holiday apartment in La Garrovilla, you can compare travel dates, your preferred room category and cancellation conditions on the relevant accommodation page. Your choice can be guided by your interests in culture, nature, cycling or traditions.

Traditions and Cuisine

The Romería de San Isidro takes place on the Saturday closest to 15 May. A procession on a float travels from the parish church to the chapel; an Extremaduran mass is celebrated at 12 noon. The festivities in honour of the Virgen de la Caridad are considered La Garrovilla’s oldest and most characteristic tradition.

In the days leading up to Holy Week, households in La Garrovilla traditionally prepare homemade sweets such as Perrunillas, Torrijas and Roscas fritas.

For the main travel overview: Badajoz.