At the foot of the 603-metre-high Sierra del Aljibe, Aliseda lies in rugged, mountainous terrain surrounded by several hills. Most of the municipal area stretches across the northern part of the Sierra de San Pedro, up to where the mountain range meets the northern Penillanura Cacereña. Aliseda combines archaeological evidence with marked hiking trails and a mountain landscape. The scenic EX-303 road runs for 30 kilometres from Aliseda to Arroyo del Soldado near Alburquerque and into the Sierra de San Pedro.
Mining history at Mina Pastora
Mina Pastora has protohistoric origins; a furnace dating from the 7th or 6th century BC was discovered there. Three levels are open to visitors. They contain iron minerals such as goethite, haematite and limonite, as well as sulphates, diverse vegetation, Roman remains and the protohistoric furnace. During a visit, you can learn about the mine’s history and the former extraction of iron; arrange your visit in advance on site. Protected bat species currently live in Mina Pastora, and their presence may vary seasonally.
The treasure find, tombs and historic buildings
The Tesoro de Aliseda is a Phoenician-Tartessian find featuring gold jewellery and grave goods. It was discovered on 29 February 1920 and is considered the first find of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula. A replica is on display at the Centro de Interpretación del Tesoro de Aliseda. A guided tour explains the find, Aliseda’s role in protohistory, goldsmithing techniques and the individual pieces. Reservations are required for the tour.
The buildings and tombs also reveal traces from different periods in history. The Parroquia de Santa María de la Asunción is a 15th-century church, built largely of masonry and slate and featuring a Baroque altarpiece. The Tumbas de los Moros form a Visigothic necropolis: six anthropomorphic tombs carved into granite, probably dating from the 6th or 7th century. South of Aliseda, in the Sierra de San Pedro, stands the Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Campo. It dates from 1485, was extended in the 18th century and houses a 16th-century baptismal font.
Hiking trails and rocky landscapes
Aliseda has eleven signposted hiking trails that can be walked during almost every season. Check local trail conditions before planning your hike. Notable quartzite and slate rock formations include Canchos del Muelle and Canchos de la Plata. Along the Sierra de Valdelasmanos hiking route, you can see an old grain mill belonging to the church, as well as the springs Fuente Nueva, Fuente del Cura and Fuente del Castaño.
The Sierra de San Pedro near Aliseda is designated a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) and an Area of Regional Interest (ZIR). Sporting activities such as hiking the Ruta de las Fuentes are possible at the Aliseda reservoir and along the Río Salor. Alongside the signposted trails, these named natural and landscape features offer further ideas for planning a trip to the Aliseda area.
Local cuisine and the Romería
Local game cuisine includes dishes or products made with venison, wild boar, hare, pigeon and partridge, among others. Aliseda’s pork specialities include chorizo, patatera, morcilla, lomo and jamón. Which of these are available depends on the establishment.
Another event in the annual calendar is the traditional Romería at the Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Campo. It takes place fourteen days after Easter Sunday. If you are planning a trip for it, the date will depend on the Easter date in the year concerned.
Discover more destinations: Arroyomolinos De La Vera, Ruanes, Membrío, Casar De Palomero, Riolobos, Zorita, Perales Del Puerto, Caminomorisco.
For the regional travel overview: Cáceres.
