Martiherrero brings together an archaeological context, a rural landscape and a connection to a wider route. The town is regarded as a gateway to the northern side of the Sierra de Ávila; a proposed provincial route also passes through Martiherrero. Nearby, the abandoned settlement of Pedro Serrano adds another historical connection. When choosing a destination, you can therefore consider cultural history, landscape and route connections as distinct points of interest.
Archaeological finds at El Palomar
Agricultural work at the El Palomar site in Martiherrero led to the discovery of four largely complete Verracos and the remains of cists in 1975. The connection between the Verracos and the cists is central to the historical interpretation: Hispano-Romans in the region adapted Verracos for use as a Cupa around the transition from the 2nd to the 3rd century AD. The dates serve different purposes: 1975 dates the discovery, while the transition from the 2nd to the 3rd century AD provides the historical context. This distinguishes the specific find site from the earlier historical interpretation without conflating the year of discovery with the period.
Landscape and route connections
Martiherrero is regarded as a gateway to the northern side of the Sierra de Ávila and lies in hilly terrain with holm oaks and pastureland. The terrain and vegetation provide a distinct focus alongside the archaeological themes: if you consider both cultural history and landscape when choosing a destination, you will find two different points of interest here.
The first route proposed as part of the province’s Teresian route programme offers a broader geographical perspective. It is 120 kilometres long, runs from Becedas to Ávila and passes through Martiherrero. Its endpoints and length place the town within a longer connection, while also offering a different perspective on Martiherrero from the description of its local landscape. The route was proposed in 2017. If you plan to use it, please check its current course and signage in advance.
Historical connections nearby
The abandoned settlement of Pedro Serrano lies near Martiherrero and is mentioned in the Crónica de la población de Ávila and in documents from the 16th century. Alongside the archaeological finds at El Palomar, this offers another way to explore history: Pedro Serrano is known from written references, while El Palomar is known for its finds and their historical interpretation.
A dated event also forms part of the town’s cultural picture: in January 2020, Martiherrero hosted the sixth edition of the Jornadas de la Matanza. When considering your interests, you can distinguish between archaeological history, written references to the surrounding area, landscape and a historically dated event. These different themes can help you compare Martiherrero with your own travel plans based on specific points of interest.
Discover more destinations: Hoyos Del Espino, Bernuy-Salinero, Gil-García, El Barco De Ávila, Piedralaves, Santa Lucia de la Sierra, Salobral, Peñalba De Avila
For the broader travel overview: Avila.
