Discover Barjas – River Valley, Beech Forest and Local Traditions

Barjas lies on the slopes of a narrow river valley among centuries-old chestnut trees. In the surrounding area, the Hayedo de Busmayor is part of the municipality of Barjas and lies near the border with Galicia; at the same time, it is considered one of the westernmost beech forests on the Iberian Peninsula.

When comparing a holiday apartment in Barjas, check your travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective offer pages. The landscape, cultural and route-related topics described here provide different points of comparison.

Nature

In the area around Barjas, the Ruta del Hayedo near Busmayor runs for approximately 7 km each way through beech forest and along streams. The route is suitable for almost all age groups. Another visitor route through Barjas runs along a narrow valley beside the river of the same name, between dense oak forests. A route in Barjas also highlights the Peña del Seo, which rises to 1,560 m.

Trails

A route in Barjas passes the remains of a Roman mill. In the area around Barjas, an ascent from Güimil leads to the Iglesia de San Lorenzo; from there, you can either descend to Peñacaira or climb up to Corrales. From Barjas, the return journey towards San Fiz do Seo follows a narrow road along the Barjas River. The different trail lengths, directions and landscapes can be considered separately when planning.

Culture and History

The Iglesia de Santa Marina in Barjas is a destination for visitors. The Ferrería de Serviz, also known as La Revuelta, preserves the ironmaster’s house, the entrance gate, the water reservoir and the water channel of the former facility. At the same time, it is in an advanced state of decay; the roof of its main building is at risk of collapsing. A plaque in Barjas’s square recalls that As Bestas was filmed there.

Three mills arranged along the river course draw their water from the Fuente Salgueiros spring. Barjas also has springs with a traditional threefold function: as wells, livestock watering troughs and washing places. The communal oven building in the municipality’s main settlement of Barjas was built by several residents in 1940. It was the venue for events such as the Magosto and can be visited by tourists.

For further local pages, you can visit Toral de Merayo, Prado de la Guzpeña, Las Murias, El Acebo De San Miguel, Valdelaloba, Foncebadón, Villafeliz De La Sobarriba and Moldes.

Traditions

The Fiesta del Turista in Barjas is celebrated on the last weekend of August in honour of the Virgen de los Dolores. At the Magosto Tradicional de Barjas on 1 November, a fire was lit, meat, chorizo and roasted chestnuts were tasted, and dancing followed. Near Barjas, a chestnut grove contains wooden sculptures, including an owl made from the wood of a dead chestnut tree.

For the higher-level travel overview: León.