Discover Madrigal de la Vera: Nature, Culture and Festivals

The Garganta de Alardos is a group of natural pools in the municipality of Madrigal de la Vera. Its banks are lined with alders and ash trees, and the gorge flows into the Río Tiétar. The well-known bathing spots at the natural pools include Los Maquis, La Caldera, El Rubioso, La Paloma, El Negro, El Cardenillo and La Piscina, or Puente Viejo. From the Puente Romano, there are views across the Sierra de Gredos and the Río Tiétar valley.

Other places: Calzadilla, Collado, Portezuelo, Casares de las Hurdes, Grimaldo, Ruanes, Acehuche and La Garganta.

Nature

The Ruta de Romartín (PR-CC 82) is an 11-kilometre, easy circular route for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. It starts at the Fuente del Cabrero and passes the Puente Romano, a natural pool and the Fuentes de Alardos. It then runs through a large avenue of alders and scrubland covered with rockrose, lavender, heather and individual juniper trees. Along the way, there are views of rocky peaks, the Rosarito Reservoir and the Río Tiétar valley.

A canyoning descent through the Garganta de la Hoz is described as lasting 6 hours, with an elevation difference of 360 metres and a longest abseil section of 25 metres. Strong currents in the Garganta de Alardos and the Río Tiétar make it possible to fish for species such as brown trout, barbel and tench.

Culture

The Puente Romano de Madrigal de la Vera, also known as Puente Viejo, forms part of the Roman road connecting Plasencia with Puerto del Pico and Ávila. It currently rises as an impressive stone structure, with at least one large arch high above the waters of the Garganta de Alardos; a bricked-up opening can be seen on the side.

The Fuente de los 6 caños is a traditional spring on Plaza Machadero and was a meeting place for local residents before running water was introduced. The central square of Madrigal de la Vera is considered the town’s most typical and best-preserved square; the Fuente de los Perales is located nearby.

The parish church of Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol – a building designated as a monument of historic interest – has a portal on the Epistle side with a basket-handle arch framed by decorative bosses and small Gothic columns. The church also preserves a stone baptismal font from the 16th century.

Festivals

EnTREVECINOS/AS is an annual festival of folk culture in Madrigal de la Vera, normally held on the first weekend of June. The programme includes participatory workshops on castanets, percussion and Jotas, as well as gastronomic routes and tastings featuring products from La Vera such as cheese and Pitarra wine.

The Fiesta de las Luminarias takes place on the evening of 7 December. Residents of Madrigal de la Vera gather around large fires distributed throughout the town to celebrate the Immaculate Conception. During this festival, products from the traditional slaughter season are tasted, and typical Jotas from La Vera are sung and danced.

The Fiestas del Cristo Chico take place on the first weekend of August and feature musical performances and activities. In Madrigal de la Vera, the Procesión del Encuentro takes place on the night of Holy Saturday and is considered one of the outstanding processions of these festive days.

Otoñea was held in Madrigal de la Vera as the tenth edition of an autumn festival of the comarca of La Vera, which was held over a period of ten years.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cáceres.