Jarandilla de la Vera – Culture, Gorges and Historic Trails

The Castillo Palacio de los Condes de Oropesa was begun in the mid-15th century as a rectangular fortress with cylindrical towers at the corners. Charles V used it as a residence for three months, until construction work on his palace in Yuste was completed. Today, the Castillo houses the Parador Nacional de Turismo.

Culture

The Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Torre dates from the 12th or 13th century and was built on a Celtic hillfort. Inside are a Roman marble cippus and the Renaissance chapel of Gaspar de Loaysa from the 16th century.

The Ermita Virgen de Sopetrán has a Rococo altarpiece and an 18th-century Baroque depiction of Our Lady of Sopetrán. The Iglesia de San Agustín formerly housed a monastery of the Augustinian Recollects and a college; its foundation is dated to the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

On the outskirts of Jarandilla stands the Convento de Santo Domingo, a historic ruin site. At the height of its prosperity, the complex housed a monastery of the Augustinian Recollects and a college in the 16th century. The Puente Romano is a medieval bridge with Roman alignment; ashlar stones from a nearby Roman mausoleum were used to build it.

The Picota de la Villa was initially a sign of the feudal lords’ power over the villages. Later, it became a symbol of the villazgo status and the independence of these villages. The Ermita del Santo Cristo del Humilladero contains a 16th-century depiction of the Cristo de la Caridad, a Nazarene and a bound Christ, both from the 18th century, as well as a 17th-century Talavera tile panel.

Nature

The Garganta Jaranda is an example of the gorges that form an essential part of the landscape of La Vera. On hot summer days, it offers the opportunity to bathe in its clear waters in the shade of the trees.

Hiking Trails

The Ruta de los Puentes is a 4.9-kilometre circular route with a low level of difficulty. It can be travelled on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. Its starting point is at the Plaza de la Constitución, while it ends at the Parador de Turismo.

The Ruta del Emperador Carlos V traditionally takes place on the first Saturday in February and runs for approximately 10 kilometres from the Palacio de los Condes de Oropesa, now the Parador Nacional de Turismo in Jarandilla de la Vera, to the Monasterio de Yuste.

The officially approved linear route Ruta de Carlos V (PR-CC-1) begins in Tornavacas and ends in Jarandilla de la Vera after 27.7 kilometres, or approximately nine hours. It has a medium to high level of difficulty.

Festivals

Los Escobazos takes place on 7 December and includes large bonfires, burning bundles of dried broom branches and a procession in honour of the Immaculate Conception. The festival is recognised as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional, meaning a festival of national tourist interest. Around the bonfires, communal gatherings serving wine and typical products from the region are part of Los Escobazos.

More destinations

More destinations: Guadalupe, Monroy, Garrovillas De Alconétar, Navalmoral de la Mata, Valencia De Alcantara, Villanueva De La Vera, Pinofranqueado, Las Casiñas Altas

To the higher-level travel overview: Cáceres.