Cristóbal between Two Sierras: Mountain Biking, Church Art and Festivals

Cristóbal lies on the border between the Sierra de Béjar and Sierra de Francia.

The Character of the Town and Accommodation

When comparing a holiday apartment in Cristóbal, you can use travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions as three specific offer fields.

Cycling Routes

The Centro BTT Entresierras is located in Cristóbal’s former school buildings and has changing rooms, showers and tools for minor repairs. The Centro BTT Entresierras also connects Cristóbal to a 183-kilometre cycling route in nine sections within the Sierras de Béjar y Francia Biosphere Reserve.

Ruta BTT Entresierras 1 is a circular route of approximately 10 kilometres with a moderate level of difficulty. Ruta BTT Entresierras 2 is a challenging circular route of approximately 20.5 kilometres that starts and ends in Cristóbal. It passes through vineyards within the D.O.P. “Sierra de Salamanca”. Even farther-reaching is the challenging, 32-kilometre Ruta BTT de los Dos Valles: it connects Cristóbal with Valdefuentes de Sangusín, San Esteban de la Sierra and Santibáñez de la Sierra and passes through the valleys of the Sangusín and Alagón.

In spring, two guided routes usually take place in Cristóbal. The Ruta Sangusín is part of this programme; a communal meal follows. The Ruta Cabeza de los Negros is the longer of the two spring routes described for Cristóbal and usually begins at 12 noon.

Culture and Local History

The parish church of San Martín de Tours contains elements from various periods, most of them from the 16th and 17th centuries. Its main chapel has a 16th-century Mudéjar coffered ceiling. Zoomorphic figures are set on the cornices; locals interpret them as wolves, giving Cristóbal the nickname “pueblo de los lobos”.

The traditional houses in Cristóbal have two levels: the lower level was formerly used to house animals, while the upper level served as living space. The Ermita del Humilladero, also known as the Ermita del Cristo de la Pasión, is considered an important building on the outskirts of Cristóbal. Along the paths around the town, walkers can discover remains of earlier civilisations.

The patron-saint festival of the Santísimo Cristo takes place in September and includes a procession from the chapel to the church and back. The festival in honour of San Martín de Tours is celebrated on 11 November with a mass and a communal meal; the main dish is chopped or stewed pork. At the annual celebration in honour of San Martín de Tours, Cristóbal’s traditional cloak is exchanged with representatives of other nearby towns.

Festivals and Traditions

Cristóbal preserves the tradition of Lunes de Aguas with hornazo on Easter Sunday. The hornazos are eaten outdoors with friends and acquaintances. The Fiesta del Emigrante takes place in mid-August and was established for the period when many emigrated residents return to Cristóbal during their holidays. Cristóbal belongs to the Asociación Ruta del Vino Sierra de Francia; the wines promoted there belong to the D.O.P. Sierra de Salamanca.

More Town Pages

More town pages: Serradilla del Llano, Tamames, Mozárbez, Aldeadávila De La Ribera, Parada De Rubiales, La Hoya, Yecla De Yeltes, Encinas De Abajo.

Landscape and Nature

The forests around Cristóbal consist mainly of chestnut and oak trees; ash trees and holm oaks are also found. Cristóbal forms a nature reserve that provides protection for numerous wild species and supports a diverse, extensive flora. The otter has returned to the Sangusín River and to several streams such as the Valhondo, Pinosa and Chorreras.

For the higher-level travel overview: Salamanca.