Discover Almazcara: Roman Roads, Culture and Wine

Almázcara combines an archaeological trace with religious symbols, seasonal tradition, varied paths and wine. At its centre is the historic settlement of Interamnium Flavium, which is identified with the archaeological site of Castro de las Murielas in Almázcara.

Culture and History

Castro de las Murielas is considered a mansio on roads XVIII and XXIX of the Itinerarium Antonini. The Roman road in this area is also considered the convergence of routes XIX, XX and XVIII, or the Vía Nova. Thus, the settlement and its classification within an ancient road network are located directly alongside one another, without this having to result in a single sightseeing point.

In Almázcara, there is a hermitage dedicated to Santo Cristo; at the same time, the locality venerates Santo Cristo as a religious patronage motif. Two Roman milestones are displayed beside the church of Almázcara. Both stones were found at Castro de las Murielas in the same locality. In this way, religious tradition and concrete evidence of the Roman past come together in the townscape.

The Fiestas del Cristo take place in Almázcara on the first Sunday in May. This fixed date supplements the historical and religious references named throughout the year with a clearly defined seasonal occasion. Those who explore the locality through its traditions can consider this date separately from the archaeological traces.

Paths and Landscape

On the Bembibre–Ponferrada route, the N-VI is left near Villaverde de los Cestos; the path then leads directly to the centre of Almázcara. This section connects the higher-level route with the transition to the locality and thus forms its own geographical reference.

Another route leads from Almázcara towards San Miguel de las Dueñas through a peri-urban area. There, buildings alternate with orchards and cultivated fields. The landscape impression described therefore differs clearly from the historical classification of the Roman roads: here, the visible transitions between built-up and cultivated areas take centre stage.

For personal reading, the paths can therefore be organised according to their respective focus: the section via Villaverde de los Cestos describes access to the town centre, while the connection towards San Miguel de las Dueñas shows the succession of buildings, orchards and fields. Both perspectives complement the cultural information without repeating it.

Wine and Local References

Bodega Almaz in Almázcara produces red and white wines; sales directly from the winery are also available. Bodegas Almázcara Majara in Almázcara also produces red and white wines. This winery is located within the Bierzo designation of origin area, and sales directly from the winery are available there as well.

Further Destinations

León, Rodanillo, Pereda De Ancares, Congosto, Riaño, Las Herrerías, Sésamo, Valle De Finolledo

For the higher-level travel overview: León.