A glacial lagoon, the garganta de Galingómez and traditional granite houses offer different ways to discover Nava del Barco: through its mountain landscape, water and architectural heritage. Orchards, irrigation and individual natural and cultural landmarks round out the picture. If you are planning a stay, you can focus your exploration on these specific themes.

Waterways and glacial landforms

Nava del Barco lies north of the western Gredos Massif and beside the garganta de Galingómez. The gorge descends from the Laguna del Barco and flows into the Tormes. La Laguna de la Nava lies on the northern slope of Cerro del Diablo, in a glacial cirque formed by the Cuerda de Riscos Altos and the Campanario barrier. It is of glacial origin. The similarly named bodies of water therefore belong to different descriptions: the garganta de Galingómez is connected with the Laguna del Barco, while the lagoon landscape on Cerro del Diablo is known as La Laguna de la Nava.

A broad wall dams the water at La Laguna de la Nava. It was built by the town’s residents in the mid-20th century. It raises the lagoon’s water level by several metres and retains water for irrigating the orchards. Thus, alongside the glacially shaped landscape, water use also comes into focus: the wall changes the water level while also securing water for cultivation.

In the town, a large irrigation channel carries water through Nava del Barco to meadows, orchards and gardens. The orchards produce excellent Reineta apples. The channel and the lagoon wall illustrate different aspects of water: one carries it through the town to the cultivated areas, while the other holds it back at the lagoon.

Granite and architectural heritage

Nava del Barco is home to traditional houses made of granite masonry, with wooden gates and small windows. These features give the townscape a clear architectural connection to granite. Those interested in architecture can compare the small details of the house façades with the forms of the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario: its bell gable makes a different impression from the simple materials and openings of the homes.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario is considered a 16th-century building. Its bell gable is regarded as typical of the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos. The church interior is also associated with specific works of art: it contains carvings of the Virgen del Rosario and a depiction of Faith. This means the church can be appreciated both for its architecture and for the works mentioned inside.

Landmarks and stargazing

Puente de la Nava is a bridge over a gorge. Near the “era de los moros,” large boulders with fanciful shapes catch the eye, inviting walkers to observe and imagine. Another distinctive rock is La Pera: this granite outcrop is shaped like a pear and is located in the children’s playground. The bridge, rock formations and outcrop each have a different form, but all provide a specific local landmark.

For looking up at the night sky, Nava del Barco has a stargazing viewpoint as part of the Cielos Oscuros project. This adds an astronomical focus to the local themes, alongside landscape and architectural heritage. Together, the glacial landforms, water management, granite architecture and individual landmarks offer a range of different points of interest for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Navalguijo, Pradosegar, Fresnedilla, San Esteban Del Valle, El Fresno, Blacha, Muñogalindo, Hoyorredondo.

For the overview of the wider region: Avila.