In Zarza la Mayor, different historical layers can be seen in its buildings and traditions. A 16th-century church, a fortress with its earliest remains dating from the 9th century, and two hiking trails with different routes offer visitors a range of options. Those looking to explore the town’s history will find specific architectural details; those who prefer to get around on foot can compare the length and course of two routes.

Buildings from Different Centuries

The Castillo de Peñafiel, also known as Racha-Rachel, was a Muslim fortress. Its earliest remains date from the 9th century. The visible remains also include a fortification built in the 16th century, with two defensive rings. The dates point to different periods in the fortress’s history and help place the surviving sections in context.

The Iglesia de San Andrés dates from the 16th century; Pedro de Ybarra, Juan Bravo and Alonso Hernández Acosta were involved in its final reconstruction in the 17th century. Inside are several Baroque altarpieces, including two from the 18th century on the Gospel side. Those interested in church art can consider the building’s history and its furnishings together, without attributing both to the same construction phase.

The Palacio de la Encomienda also dates from the 14th century. Zarza la Mayor is home to the “La Encomienda de Peñafiel” Interpretation Centre, part of the Tajo-Tejo International visitor centre network. Check the centre’s current opening hours locally before visiting. The Fuente Conceja provides another architectural feature: it has a large pointed arch and two round arches at the sides. It is classified as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the Monument category. The former Fábrica de la Seda now houses the Zarza la Mayor town hall.

Domingo de los Tiros on Easter Sunday

Domingo de los Tiros is a local tradition celebrated every Easter Sunday since the 18th century. During the Reverencia, the images meet in the street and bow to one another up to three times, while shots are fired from shotguns. Conditions for taking part and observing may vary. The award of the designation “Fiesta de Interés Turístico de Extremadura” was officially announced on 29 June 2026. The tradition is therefore a cultural attraction in its own right, alongside the town’s buildings.

Two Hiking Trails with Different Routes

The Ruta del Contrabando Transfronteriza is an easy 15-kilometre out-and-back hike. It runs from Zarza la Mayor town hall to Salvaterra do Extremo in neighbouring Portugal. Its name refers to historical routes used to smuggle coffee across the Spanish-Portuguese border. The route thus combines a specific hike with a chapter in the history of the border.

The Ruta del Montón de Trigo follows a different course: this 8.8-kilometre trail is linear and runs from Zarza la Mayor to the Erjas River. In its first section, it follows the Cañada Real de Gata through an area characterised by stone walls and pastureland. A metal footbridge provides access to a viewpoint overlooking the Erjas. Both distance and route type are therefore relevant when choosing a hike: the options are a 15-kilometre out-and-back hike and a linear 8.8-kilometre trail. The Contrabando route is rated easy, while the Ruta del Montón de Trigo has a low difficulty level. Check local conditions before setting out.

Landscape and Setting

Zarza la Mayor is one of the Spanish municipalities included in the Tajo-Tejo International Biosphere Reserve. Along the Alagón River, the municipality borders the Canchos de Ramiro landscape. This information adds the municipality’s natural setting to its historic sites, without conflating the two hikes described above. When planning, you can therefore decide whether to focus on architectural history and local traditions or choose one of the routes based on its length and course.

Discover more destinations: Brozas, Ruanes, Madrigal De La Vera, Aldeanueva Dela Vera, Arroyomolinos, Cedillo, Torre de Don Miguel, Ladrillar.

For the broader travel guide: Cáceres.