El Oso: Lagoons, Birdlife and Cultural Heritage

El Oso reveals its distinctive rhythm at the Lagunas de El Oso: the temporary lagoons hold water in autumn and winter, while they dry up during the summer months. Nature, culture and trails each offer different focal points for planning your trip.

Nature

Las Lagunas de El Oso are registered under code AV-15 in the Catálogo de Zonas Húmedas de Interés Especial de Castilla y León; the registration was made by Decreto 125/2001 of 19 April.

The Centro Lagunas de la Moraña is influenced by Mudéjar architecture. On two exhibition levels and in a basement equipped with workshops, it provides information about greylag geese, great bustards, cranes and the Spanish imperial eagle; its observation terrace is located on a tower with panoramic views. From Monday to Sunday, the Centro is open in the morning or afternoon by prior appointment.

Trails

The Ruta la Laguna del Oso is a circular route starting from El Oso that passes through the Área Recreativa de Las Lagunillas and by two waterfowl observation points. It continues through the cereal-growing plain, where kites, kestrels and harriers, among others, can be found.

Visitors should follow the signposted paths, not approach the wetland and not take walks with animals in the areas near the lagoon. For travelling to the Lagunas El Oso centre, the use of private transport is recommended.

Culture

The Museo al Aire Libre de El Oso is an ethnographic museum. Its sections address social life, domestic life and agricultural work; they are intended to help preserve and enhance the cultural heritage of the place.

The Vetton boar sculpture is displayed as a museum exhibit in the small square in front of the church. The Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol dates from the 16th century.

El Oso has an 18th-century Vía Crucis, which was recently restored. In front of the Ermita de Ntra. Sra. de los Remedios are three crosses known as El Calvario, which form part of the local Vía Crucis.

In El Oso, the festival of San Isidro takes place on 15 May, the summer festivals from the first week of September to 8 September, the festival of the Virgen de los Remedios on the second Sunday in November, and El Febrerito on the last Saturday in February.

The Ruta Teresiana forms part of the «De la Cuna al Sepulcro» route and leads in El Oso to significant local architectural and cultural monuments connected with the spiritual heritage of Santa Teresa de Jesús.

Other places in the same regional classification are Navalperal De Tormes, La Aldehuela, Navalonguilla, Guisando, San Juan de la Encinilla, Vega De Santa María, San Martín Del Pimpollar and El Fresno.

For the higher-level travel overview: Avila.