El Gordo: Dolmen, Storks and Historical Traces

El Gordo combines a protected testament to megalithism, a church with late medieval and later structural elements, and a large colony of white storks. The Dolmen de Guadalperal is located within the municipality, while the Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol and the remains of Puebla de Naciados provide further historical points of interest. From Madrid, El Gordo is the first town in Extremadura reached via the A-5 motorway.

Anyone choosing a holiday apartment in El Gordo can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the listing pages, and tailor their accommodation comparison to their travel period and personal priorities.

Culture and History

The Dolmen de Guadalperal is protected within the municipality of El Gordo as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the category of an archaeological zone. At the same time, it lies in the Embalse de Valdecañas and is almost permanently underwater. The site emerges only during prolonged periods of drought or when water is released. The dolmen is considered one of the most remarkable examples of megalithism in the middle basin of the Tagus and is also regarded as an early example of restoration at an archaeological site.

At the Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol, there is an inscription bearing the year 1596, which probably refers to the construction of the chancel. The nave and part of the bell tower were presumably built in the late 15th century. The chancel is octagonal and covered by a Gothic star vault. The Baroque high altar contains a niche with a depiction of Saint Peter.

The remains of Puebla de Naciados include the ruins of the Santiago church. There is also a rollo, or picota, from the 15th century. A rest area is located among the remains, which, together with the historical traces, forms a destination in its own right within the surrounding area.

Nature and Landscape

El Gordo belongs to the ZEPA Embalse de Valdecañas area. Its connection with the reservoir extends beyond the submerged dolmen: El Gordo is nicknamed the “Village of the Storks” because it is home to a large colony of white storks. Numerous stork nests can be found on the roof of the Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol; further nests are located on other buildings in El Gordo. Márgenes de Valdecañas is associated with Berrocalejo and El Gordo.

The combination of water, a protected area, historic buildings and visible birdlife creates different points of emphasis. When planning and weighing up culture, nature observation and activity, visitors can consider these topics separately without combining them into a single excursion destination.

Hiking and Exploring

The Chaparral hiking route runs between El Gordo and Berrocalejo. Another hiking route leads to the remains of Puebla de Naciados. Along this route, various Roman remains can be seen, including a bridge and the Fuente de los Muertos. This places a route between two towns alongside a route to historic remains with Roman traces; different destinations and themes help with personal day planning.

Further destinations for your travel planning include Portezuelo, Acehuche, Robledillo De La Vera, Guijo De Santa Bárbara, Romangordo, Montánchez, La Granja and Carbajo.

For the broader travel overview: Cáceres.