In San Bartolomé de Pinares, valley scenery, religious architecture and a distinctive January tradition come together. The town lies in Tierra de Pinares, facing west on the slope of the valley carved by the Arroyo Gaznata. Local highlights include Las Luminarias, several churches and chapels, and two route stages that end in San Bartolomé. El Quintanar also shapes the landscape: the forest covers 1,561.3 hectares and is designated a forest of public utility.

Las Luminarias in January

Las Luminarias is celebrated in January on the feast day of Saint Anthony. Riders on horses or donkeys jump over bonfires in the streets; the ritual is intended to cleanse them of their ills. The tradition thus combines a specific feast day with animals, fire and a religious interpretation. Visitors should follow clear safety guidance: stay on the pavements, do not enter the roadway and keep a safe distance. If you plan to attend the festival, check the arrangements for that year before your visit.

Churches, Chapels and Memorials

The Iglesia de San Bartolomé is a modest Gothic parish church, probably dating from the late 15th or 16th century. Its main altar is made of gilded polychrome wood and features a carved figure of Saint Bartholomew and oil paintings in its two sections. The altar therefore brings together materials, sculpture and painting as distinct elements of its decoration.

The Ermita de la Visitación dates from the 17th or 18th century. A round vault sits above the sacristy, while the nave has an Alfarje-style ceiling. The furnishings include small panel paintings depicting the life of the Virgin Mary, as well as a small Baroque altarpiece. Its structure and furnishings thus bring together a variety of architectural and artistic details.

The Ermita del Santísimo Cristo de la Vera Cruz is a small 18th-century building in the popular Baroque style. It houses a sculptural Calvary group dating from the 16th century. The building and the ensemble therefore belong to different centuries: the chapel is newer than the work it preserves. La Casa de la Inquisición is a two-storey building. The statue El Cascorro commemorates Eloy Gonzalo García, who spent his early years in San Bartolomé de Pinares from 1868 onwards.

Route Stages, Landscape and Winemaking Heritage

The third stage of the Ruta Teresiana de los Caminos y Posadas runs for 15 kilometres from Cebreros to San Bartolomé de Pinares. A stage of the Camino de Santiago also connects these towns: it is about 19 kilometres long and described as easy. The Ruta Teresiana’s 15 kilometres therefore compare with about 19 kilometres on the Camino; it is worth checking local conditions before setting out.

El Quintanar is also part of the landscape: this 1,561.3-hectare forest in San Bartolomé de Pinares is designated a forest of public utility. A local project aims to preserve the remaining winemaking heritage and produce wine together from the Garnacha grapes grown by local winegrowers. Alongside its religious architecture, the landscape and local winemaking heritage are therefore other distinct themes to consider when planning a trip.

Discover more destinations: Bohoyo, Santa Lucia de la Sierra, Martiherrero, San Bartolomé de Tormes, Manjabálago, Mijares, Poyales Del Hoyo, Navalguijo.

For the broader travel overview: Avila.