Valdeobispo: Water, History and Local Traditions

Valdeobispo lies at one end of the reservoir of the same name, the Embalse de Valdeobispo, from which the Río Alagón flows. The Acueducto de Valdeobispo consists of four Maillart arches, each with a span of 60 m. The irrigation canal of the Embalse de Valdeobispo crosses the Río Alagón via this structure.

Nature and Water

The waters of the Embalse de Valdeobispo have traditionally been used locally for swimming, fishing and boating. The water-based activities and the connection between canal, structure and river can be viewed as different thematic approaches. Those who explore the area through its water, canal and structure will find several specific themes in one place. When planning your trip, you can give water and engineering a separate focus from local history, religious references, paths, festivals and local cuisine. A stay does not have to follow a fixed pattern: depending on your interests, nature, structures, sacred sites or traditional customs may take centre stage. This keeps the individual activities and traditions distinct, without establishing a hierarchy. This juxtaposition keeps nature, engineering and culture on separate lines and leaves room for different ways of interpreting the place.

History and Sacred Sites

The temple of Valdeobispo was the last construction of the Instituto Nacional de Colonización in the Valle del Alagón. The Iglesia Vieja is a Baroque building from the 17th century. The temple of San Pedro Apóstol offers views over the Vega de Valdeobispo.

The new church of San Pedro Apóstol was opened for worship on 1 January 1972. The traditional depiction shows a Romanesque, polychrome wooden figure of the seated Virgin with the Child. The Vía de la Plata also runs through the municipality of Valdeobispo. The town's history brings together different periods, building projects and religious references.

Paths and Traditional Festivals

A tour of Valdeobispo covers 2.3 km through the narrow lanes and visits “Fuente Pulida” and “Pozo de los Primeros Charcos”. La Malla is a festival of popular tradition held in Valdeobispo in spring.

During the traditional Romería de la Virgen de Valverde, participants made their way on foot or horseback to the pilgrimage chapel. The Romería de la Virgen de Valverde includes festive, elaborately decorated traditional Roscas, which are eaten and given away on that day.

Local Traditions

The entire village takes part in the Ruta del espárrago trigero, which ends with a tasting of various dishes prepared by the local residents. Valdeobispo is known for gathering wild asparagus; this is why its residents are called Esparragueros. During the traditional pig slaughter, the relevant work was carried out on a slaughtering table known as a “mesa matona”. Along with the asparagus route and its dishes, this term is also part of the traditional local everyday and culinary culture.

More Destinations

Galisteo, Tejeda De Tiétar, Serradilla, Jerte, Santiago De Alcántara, Palomero, Jaraíz De La Vera, Valverde Del Fresno

For the overarching travel overview: Cáceres.