Discover Barrado: Nature, Festivals and Views

Barrado combines signposted trails, distinctive landscapes and unique festival traditions. The signposted, guided PR-CC 18 Robledal de la Solana circular hiking trail is 17.3 kilometres long. It runs through the Garganta del Obispo valley and climbs through the Robledal de la Solana on the eastern side of the Sierra de San Bernabé. Along the route stands the Roble de la Solana, a single tree monument recognised and protected in Extremadura, an “Árbol Singular”, approximately 15 metres high. The Robledal de la Solana is considered an island of biodiversity and a refuge for wild animals.

Nature

The landscape around Barrado includes meadows, olive, cherry and other fruit orchards, as well as oak and chestnut forests. Alongside the long circular hiking trail, there is the Barrado – Ermita La Virgen – Barreros – Lancharejos – Barrado route, which is 5.5 kilometres long and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The different trail lengths can be compared side by side for your own planning.

Swimming is possible in the reservoir of the Garganta del Obispo. The Piscina Natural Las Camellas is a natural swimming pool in the same gorge. It is reached via a path from Barrado towards Piornal and then along a trail; there is a picnic area there. Barrado’s municipal swimming pool is located at the edge of town next to the Parque Municipal and the Arroyo de los Caños.

Several viewpoints add to the landscape: The Ermita Santa María serves as a viewpoint with panoramic views of the far end of the Valle del Tiétar. The Mirador Los Lagares offers views of the surroundings of the Garganta del Obispo, is accessible by car and invites visitors to enjoy a picnic with a view. The Mirador de las Fernedas on Avenida de Extremadura in Barrado offers views of La Vera, Campo Arañuelo and the dehesas of Monfragüe.

Other Places

More town pages to explore: Alcuéscar, Aldeanueva Del Camino, Alcántara, Navalmoral de la Mata, Robledillo De Gata, Nuñomoral, Miajadas and Trujillo.

Culture

In the upper part of Barrado stands the Church of San Sebastián. It is considered the town’s most important monument, dates from the 16th century and is dedicated to the martyr San Sebastián. Its dome dates from the 18th century; the highly ornate main altar is associated with local carvers from Barrado, including the Incera Velasco brothers. The church is also considered one of the oldest churches in the Valle del Jerte and features late Romanesque elements, which can be seen, among other places, in its tower.

The Ermita de Santa María is an 18th-century chapel and houses Barrado’s patronal image, Ntra. Sra. del Viso. Its altarpiece features 18th-century Baroque ornamentation. The Ermita del Cristo del Humilladero is a Mudéjar-style chapel at Alto del Humilladero at the edge of Barrado.

Local Life

The festivals preserve unusual customs. During the Alborá in honour of San Sebastián, people sing and play tambourines throughout the night; the festival ends with chocolate and sweets for breakfast. During the San Gregorio festival, the saint is covered with cherries. For this occasion, the parish council makes a decorative branch from strawberry tree branches, with rosquillas and small bells hanging from it.

During the Palo de San Juan festival, there is a climbing pole coated with grease, with products from the home slaughtering process attached to its top. The tradition of the Palo de San Juan continues to be maintained in Barrado despite the end of compulsory military service. As part of the Semana Santa tradition El Encuentro, the men carry Jesus and the women carry the Dolorosa along separate routes. At the end, they meet in the village square, where the Coplas del Encuentro are sung.

The Fiestas de la Virgen include an offering market with an auction of gifts such as sweets, handicrafts, fruit and traditional dishes. The Fiesta del Cristo del Humilladero includes cultural and sporting activities as well as evening dancing events.

For the overarching travel overview: Cáceres.