Discover Oncala: Landscape and Culture

Oncala preserves ten Flemish tapestries in the Museo de Tapices de Oncala; eight of them were woven from cartoons by Rubens. The tapestries of Oncala were made by Frans Van den Hecke, who was active between 1630 and 1665.

Landscape

Oncala lies in a very rugged area in a valley formed by the Iberian System mountains of Cayo (1,709 m), Alto del Monte (1,490 m), Puerto de Oncala (1,496 m) and Umbriazo (1,552 m). The orography is shaped by the valley of the Río Mayor.

On the slopes of the Sierra de Alba, the village lies at the foot of the pass named after it. The landscape is rolling and green, shaped by centuries of grazing by Merino sheep.

Around Oncala, hiking trails along livestock routes and old paths provide access to holly groves and oak forests.

Townscape and History

Oncala’s historical economic importance and architectural heritage are closely linked to the tradition of livestock farming, the trade in fine Merino wool, the Mesta and transhumance, particularly from the 16th to the 18th century.

Oncala has a traditional townscape with paved streets and houses associated with the Mesta.

A roughly built stone bridge connects the two parts of the village over the Cayo stream, which is also called the Río de la Fuenteoncala.

Shepherding Culture

The Museo de Pastores de Oncala is housed in the village’s former female teachers’ residence. It displays equipment and tools associated with livestock farming and transhumance.

The exhibition follows the journey of Millán, a young shepherd from Oncala, from the Sierra de Alba to the Valle de Alcudia.

The main altarpiece is dedicated to San Millán de la Cogolla, who is described as the patron saint of shepherds.

Festivals and Dates

A Mass and procession are followed at the church entrance by an auction of the carrying poles for the images of the Virgin Mary and San Roque.

In Oncala, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary is celebrated on 8 September under the patronage of the Virgen del Espino; the following day is dedicated to San Roque.

The Feria del Acebo includes the opportunity to take part in guided routes to the holly groves. At the Feria del Acebo, workshops are offered on making holly arrangements, Christmas biscuits and origami. The Feria del Acebal takes place over the Constitution Day weekend.

Getting There

Oncala can be reached via the C-115.

When comparing holiday apartments in Oncala, you can view the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions side by side on the respective offer page. Such a comparison sets the specific offer details against the desired date and selected room category.

Other Places

Arévalo De La Sierra, Torremocha De Ayllón, Diustes, Molinos De Duero, Alcubilla De Avellaneda, Berlanga De Duero, Borobia, Santervás De La Sierra

To the higher-level travel overview: Soria.