Villardiegua de la Ribera: Arribes, Trails and Culture

Villardiegua de la Ribera lies on the left bank of the Duero, where the Arribes del Duero begin and the river separates Castile and León from Portugal. The Arribes del Duero, with which Villardiegua de la Ribera is associated, are an almost 100-kilometre-long granite gorge that forms the border between Spain and Portugal.

The vegetation of the surrounding area combines extensive holm oak and oak forests with Mediterranean woodland, as well as trees and shrubs along the rivers and streams.

Landscape and History

The ruins of the Ermita de San Amade stand on Peña Redonda, a hill overlooking the Arribes of Zamora. The Castro de San Mamede, also known as Peña Redonda or Sanamede, dates from the Second Iron Age and is associated with the Vettonian culture; the castro offers panoramic views over the Arribes del Duero.

Peña Redonda is a granite balancing boulder interpreted as a possible rock altar, with cup marks and rock basins of possible ritual significance. The Ermita de San Amade was built around the 15th century and remained a place of worship for the inhabitants of Villardiegua de la Ribera until 1860. The nearby Casa del Ermitaño, located close to the Ermita de San Amade, has been converted into an interpretation centre for this archaeological site.

Trails and Nature

Stage 23 of the Camino Natural Senda del Duero begins in Villardiegua de la Ribera and reaches Torregamones after just over 12 kilometres. On this stage, the trail follows the Arroyo del Pontón in sections and passes old watermills that are no longer in use today.

In April and May, when water levels are sufficient, the Cascada del Pontón forms a curtain of water; it is accessible exclusively from the left bank of the Riveras. A short hiking trail of approximately 650 metres passes eleven mills and a waterfall. The Puente del Caozo LLongo is a traditional stone crossing where hikers can cross the watercourse and get from one bank to the other.

Villardiegua de la Ribera is suitable for birdwatching; more than 140 bird species can be seen in the skies over the Arribes. The different trail lengths can be compared for planning your own day.

Culture and Tradition

A Roman stele, probably originating from the Castro de Mamede, featuring a bull's head and a representation of the sun, is set into the wall of the last private house before the road to Villadepera. La Mula is a sacred Vettonian verraco statue installed in the centre of Villardiegua de la Ribera.

The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin in Villardiegua de la Ribera was built in the 17th century; it contains a Romanesque statue of the Virgin Mary from the 13th century. During the Bendición de Campos tradition, an image of San Mamés is carried up to El Pendonico to bless the fields and pray for a good harvest. The patron saint festivities for San Mamede take place in the last week of August.

The traditional architecture of Villardiegua de la Ribera includes stone gateways, dry-stone walls, dovecotes, fountains and other traditional structures that preserve Sayago's identity.

Other places: San Esteban del Molar, Monfarracinos, Muga De Sayago, Ribadelago, Puebla De Sanabria, Porto, El Cubo De Tierra Del Vino, Viñas

Regional Specialities

Obrador de Gaia lists Mariposas de Villardiegua among its puff pastry sweets. Obrador de Gaia offers a wine-paired tasting featuring products from Obrador de Gaia and other local producers, combined with wines bearing the DO Arribes designation of origin.

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