The Barrio de Gurumeña gives Valdefuentes its character, with narrow, winding streets, cul-de-sacs, covered streets and small squares. It is the oldest quarter and is considered the original settlement; traces of Muslim settlement remain. Churches and monastery buildings add to this cultural and historical heritage. Country lanes and local produce are also part of the town's character.

Historic Quarters and Architecture

The Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. de Bienvenida combines several architectural features: the vault of the baptistery is considered Cistercian in style and marks the transition from Romanesque to Gothic. The church also contains a Neoclassical altarpiece and a large vaulted window through which the throne of the Virgen de Bienvenida can be seen.

The Convento de San Agustín, also known as the Agustinos Recoletos, is a Baroque complex dating from the early 18th century. Its church has a single-nave layout with a Latin cross plan. A cloister and the monastery rooms arranged around it are also part of the complex; the church's main façade is built of granite blocks.

The former palace of the Marqueses de Valdefuentes, a 16th-century landmark, stands on the Plaza de España. The Rollo, a fluted column dating from the 16th century, is also on the square. The Museo Etnográfico de Valdefuentes is housed on the ground floor of the former Augustinian Recollects monastery. It displays local crafts and farming tools, offering insight into traditional ways of life. The museum organizes guided visits around Valdefuentes and the surrounding area and provides tourist information. As arrangements may change, it is worth asking in advance about current options.

Routes and Scenery around Casillas

The Ruta de las Ermitas is 10 kilometres long, runs through Valdefuentes and passes two hermitages and various country lanes. The Ruta Paraje de Casillas leads to the Casillas natural area and passes grain mills, the old Capellán bridge and other country lanes. The landmarks mentioned distinguish the two routes: the first focuses on the hermitages, while the second highlights the natural area and historic structures. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Broom scrubland, holm oaks and numerous olive and fig trees shape the vegetation around the Charca de Casillas. Wildlife includes short-toed snake eagles, foxes, European otters, garden dormice, European hares and ocellated lizards; which species you may see can vary with the season. Up to six millstones once operated on the Santa María River and at the Charca de Casillas.

Encina La Solana was designated an Árbol Singular de Extremadura in 2005; its age was estimated at 700 years. In 2023, it was classified as a “dead tree” because of the weather and its age. Check its current condition before visiting.

Local Produce and Festivities

Numerous agri-food businesses in Valdefuentes produce cheese, Creme de Valdefuentes, cured meats, wine, sweets, chocolate, bread and oil. Traditional cuisine also includes Iberian pork products, cheese and creams, as well as wine. Individual suppliers and product availability may change.

The Feria Agroalimentaria takes place in the first half of March; the exact dates may vary from year to year. The programme includes workshops, exhibitions, tastings, walking routes, concerts and guided visits. Activities may also vary from year to year. Los Tableros is a centuries-old festival in honour of the Virgen del Rosario, celebrated on the first Saturday in October; programme changes may affect the date. Four Madrinas and four Tableras, dressed in regional costume, carry long boards on their heads bearing bread and sweets. The boards are decorated with cloth, embroidery and bobbin lace.

Other religious celebrations mark different times of year: the Romería de la Magdalena takes place on the Monday after Easter Sunday at the Ermita de la Magdalena. On the Wednesday of Holy Week, a song passed down for a long time is performed; this is followed by the Canto del Ángel in the church.

Discover more destinations: Gata, Casares de las Hurdes, Carrascalejo, Hervás, Plasenzuela, Jerte, Ovejuela, Cadalso.

For the wider travel overview: Cáceres.