Malpartida de Plasencia – Nature, Trails and Culture

Malpartida de Plasencia is located in the Comarca de Monfragüe.

Culture and History

The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista was built between 1515 and 1603. It has a single-nave interior with a ribbed vault and a polygonal chancel. Inside, there is a Baroque altarpiece from the 17th century that bears clear similarities to the school of Gregorio Fernández.

The Tumba de la Princesa, an anthropomorphic tomb carved into the surface of a granite block, is another historical remnant. Archaeological remains from pre-Roman times can be found on the upper surface of a hill; its location facilitated the fortification and defence of the hill. The archaeological sites at Cerro de Castillejos can be reached via a signposted out-and-back route that is 4,937 metres long in total and has a low level of difficulty.

Nature and Trails

The Centro de Visitantes Norte has an exhibition hall with audiovisual materials, interactive elements, information panels and models about the features and values of Monfragüe National Park and its surroundings. A one-kilometre interpretive footpath with information panels about the region’s fauna and flora can also be followed from the visitor centre.

La Laguna is a natural area representative of Malpartida de Plasencia, where aquatic species and birds live. The Parque Municipal is an enclosed recreational area with a children’s playground and other leisure spaces. The San Cristóbal recreational area has barbecue facilities and picnic areas for enjoying time in the countryside.

The springs of the Dehesa Boyal El Robledo consist of facilities that are still in use; some of them are considered very old. Three routes are suggested for visiting the springs, one each through Los Valles, the Dehesa de Abajo and the Dehesa de Arriba.

The Ruta El Robledo is a relatively easy circular hiking trail that begins in Malpartida de Plasencia within the boundaries of Monfragüe National Park. It is signposted with white and yellow markings as a short-distance hiking trail (PR). The area along the route is characterised by granite; cork oaks (Quercus suber) grow there mainly, mixed with Pyrenean oaks (Quercus pyrenaica). Along the Ruta El Robledo are a reservoir and numerous springs with stone basins, particularly around the Arroyo de los Pilones. The different trail formats can be compared with one another and incorporated into your own daily planning.

A 17-kilometre trail runs along a former railway line through dehesas and areas of ornithological interest.

Dehesa and Regional Insights

The Finca El Carrascal in Malpartida de Plasencia is home to the agricultural and livestock estate of the Museo Vivo de la Dehesa, which has been adapted for visitors. The museum comprises an ethnographic museum, an exhibition featuring photographs of wild animals and an audiovisual presentation about the dehesas of Monfragüe. Several nature-related trails and walks are based on experiencing the landscape at close quarters.

Traditions and Events

The San Blas tradition in Malpartida de Plasencia is associated with the Convite del Mayordomo held on 3 February, the raffle of a lamb, the sale of San Blas neck amulets, traditional clothing worn at religious celebrations in the hermitage and a Cucaña. The San Gregorio celebration includes a procession, an auction of offerings and refreshments served by the Mayordomos.

During the Concurso de albañilería, professionals from all over Spain carry out a task previously designed by an architect while recreating historical working methods.

To the overarching travel overview: Cáceres.