Solosancho: Discover Ulaca, Nature and Festivals

Solosancho is associated with Castro de Ulaca, a fortified settlement or oppidum, around 1,500 inhabitants and an area of approximately 70 hectares. The site was abandoned around the middle of the 1st century BC; Ulaca and its surroundings are now protected as a cultural asset of special interest in the category of an archaeological zone.

More places to discover: Robledillo, Villaviciosa, Lanzahíta, Arenas De San Pedro, Riofrío, Martiherrero, Gallegos and San Bartolomé de Pinares.

History and Culture

The sanctuary of Ulaca comprises two structures: a rectangular chamber measuring 16 × 8 metres, partially carved into the rock, and the so-called sacrificial altar. This is a large granite boulder with a carved double staircase leading to a platform containing two interconnected recesses.

The sauna at Ulaca, traditionally also called “La Fragua”, is partially carved into the rock and occupies approximately 15 m². Its rectangular floor plan is divided into three small rooms: a western antechamber or resting area, a chamber with two opposing benches carved into the granite for the steam bath, and a furnace for the fire. Its interpretation as a sauna is based on its similarity to the “pedras formosas” of other Iron Age settlements in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.

Castro de Ulaca has an oval defensive circuit more than 3 kilometres long. Nine entrances or breaks can be identified in its enclosing wall, two of which have been restored.

At the entrance to Solosancho are the remains of a medieval necropolis carved into the rock. The Iglesia de Santo Tomás Apóstol dates from the 17th century, is built of granite and has a single-nave layout as well as a two-storey bell tower made of ashlar blocks. Notable features of the church include the south-facing portico and the Baroque main altar. Next to it stands an especially large stone verraco, measuring more than 2 metres in length.

Castillo de Villaviciosa was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. It is privately owned, fully restored and now houses a hotel.

Nature and Wildlife

The municipality of Solosancho forms part of the regional protected area Paisaje Protegido de las Sierras de la Paramera y La Serrota. It also includes Natura 2000 sites in the Sierras de La Paramera y La Serrota and the Natura 2000 site along the banks of the Adaja.

In Solosancho, visitors can observe red kites, kestrels and buzzards, as well as mammals such as wild boar, rabbits, foxes and weasels. A hiking trail through a holm oak grove connects Solosancho with Riatas.

Getting There

The route to Castro de Ulaca leads from Ávila via the N-502 to Solosancho and then continues to Villaviciosa. A large part of the route from Villaviciosa to the summit of the hill where Castro de Ulaca is located must be covered on foot.

To visit La Cabeza de Navasangil, permission must be requested from the Ayuntamiento de Solosancho. The keys to the fenced site, which is signposted for self-guided visits, are issued there.

Celtibike is a non-competitive mountain biking tour organised by the Ayuntamiento de Solosancho and open to everyone interested. The 2026 edition will take place on 27 September, starting and finishing on Calle Nueva in Solosancho, with an expected duration of less than four hours.

Festivals and Gastronomy

The Luna Celta festival takes place annually in Solosancho and reached its 20th edition in 2026. An extensive programme for all age groups was announced for 21, 22 and 23 August 2026.

The Luna Celta festival programme includes a night-time ascent to a castro followed by a theatrical performance.

Solotapas is a gastronomic competition in Solosancho in which specially prepared tapas are tasted and rated by the public. The event reached its third edition in 2026; the first edition took place in 2024.

To the main travel overview: Avila.