Montehermoso between Dehesa, Craftsmanship and Cultural Heritage

In Montehermoso, Dehesa Boyal was declared a peri-urban park for nature conservation and recreation by Decree 245/2014 of 18 November. Paths and trails lead through a dehesa landscape with holm oaks, cork oaks, rockroses and broom; at the same time, visitors can observe diverse wildlife there, while traditional livestock farming continues.

Culture

The parish church Iglesia Parroquial de Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción is designated a property of cultural interest of particular significance in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura. Its construction dates back to the mid-16th century. The main altarpiece of the Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción dates from 1640 to 1650.

The Museo Etnográfico de Montehermoso has been open since 2003. It displays local handicrafts, agricultural tools, as well as old kitchens, beds and clothing. The textile traditions on display include traditional costumes from Montehermoso and the traditional clothing of the Negritos de San Blas.

Montehermoso still has workshops that make cencerros, traditional cattle or herd bells, using time-honoured methods. The church bells made there are known as Campanas de Rivera. Straw hats are crafted by hand; their braiding is made from seven strands of straw and is 12 to 14 metres long. The hats are decorated with wool, mother-of-pearl buttons, felt and sequins.

Nature

Dehesa Boyal is open to visitors 24 hours a day, all year round. The landscape combines open roads and trails with opportunities to observe diverse wildlife and the continuation of traditional livestock farming.

Trails

The Camino Mozárabe includes a stage from Montehermoso to El Bronco; its starting point is in Montehermoso. The Montehermoso–El Bronco stage is 18.15 kilometres long, with an estimated walking time of 4 hours and 30 minutes. On the Camino Mozárabe, arrows and, depending on the route chosen, different colours provide orientation. The distance and walking time provide specific figures for planning the day.

More locations:Carbajo, Piornal, Romangordo, Cabezabellosa, Gargüera, Cilleros, Valdastillas and Arroyomolinos.

Festivals

The Romería de la Virgen de Valdefuentes traditionally takes place on a Sunday, two weeks after Easter Sunday. The celebration includes a pilgrimage to the chapel of the Virgin Mary, a mass and, afterwards, a procession carrying the image of the Virgin Mary. Beforehand, worshippers can bid at an auction for the right to carry the image.

Los Negritos perform 17 dances during the celebration in honour of Saint Blaise.

Places of Interest

The Parque Temático de Extremadura showcases important architectural and cultural monuments of the region through scale miniatures. It also presents the history of Extremadura in an educational way. The park is particularly suitable for visits with children, and admission is free.

The natural swimming pool is one of the area’s notable natural and cultural features around Montehermoso. The El Ronco spring is one of the sights of Montehermoso.

To the main travel overview: Cáceres.