Valdencín combines the history of a colonisation settlement with murals, church architecture and a regional cultural landscape. For a trip focused on culture, these themes provide a common thread: you can explore how the village came into being, see two works of public art and place Valdencín within the Pueblos de Luz routes of the Valle del Alagón. Festival programmes offer further insight into specific editions, whose dates you should check before travelling.

History and landscape

Valdencín was planned in 1964 and founded between 1965 and 1970 by the former Instituto Nacional de Colonización. Planning and founding were two successive steps; the dates give the village’s history a clear chronological structure. In the Valle del Alagón, Valdencín is one of the white-coloured colonisation settlements that stand out against a green landscape. This description connects the built form of the settlement with its natural surroundings. Valdencín is also a short distance from the main canal, on the left bank of the Alagón River.

Valdencín is a stop on the Pueblos de Luz Valle del Alagón route; a suggested detour here takes you to two murals. The “Pueblos de Luz” tourism initiative presents the history, cultural heritage, surroundings and typical products of Extremadura’s colonisation villages. Seven tourist routes were created in the Valle del Alagón as part of the initiative, based on geographical criteria. Along with cultural heritage, the initiative also takes into account natural, landscape and cultural resources. The detour to the murals focuses on local attractions, while the network of routes puts other regional themes in context.

Murals and church architecture

The “Muro Crítico” mural has been on the town hall façade since 2021. It was created by Madrid-based artist Digo Diego as part of the Diputación de Cáceres’ “Muro crítico” urban art campaign. A second mural is located on the base of the church tower and commemorates the work of the first women settlers. It was created by Jonathan Carranza “Sojo”. The two works of art make different statements: one was created as part of an urban art campaign, while the other highlights the work of the first women settlers.

The Iglesia de Santa Teresa dates from the 20th century. It has a rectangular floor plan and a nave; its bell tower defines the building. The floor plan describes the church’s shape, while the nave is one aspect of its architectural layout. Together with the murals, these features offer different ways to explore the village’s cultural heritage.

Culture and festival programmes

Espacio Utopía is a multipurpose hall in Valdencín. Live music takes centre stage at various events. If an event interests you, check in advance whether a suitable date has been announced for your travel period.

The programme for the 2025 edition of La Velá de Valdencín included competitions for migas, tortillas and Pitarra wines. Dates and programme details may vary from one edition to another. For the festival in honour of Santa Teresa, the 2024 programme included a mass followed by a procession on 15 October. The same festival also featured a social gathering with charanga music and bouncy castles for children in the multipurpose hall. These details refer to the programmes for the years stated. If a festival is a key part of your travel plans, check the relevant announcement in advance.

Discover more destinations: Brozas, Baños De Montemayor, Abadía, Botija, Hervás, Navaconcejo, Berzocana, Talaván

For the main travel guide: Cáceres.