An oval defensive wall more than three kilometres long and a sanctuary with a double staircase carved into the granite give the Castro de Ulaca its distinctive archaeological features. In Solosancho, the Iglesia de Santo Tomás Apóstol and a walking trail through a holm oak grove complement these highlights with church architecture and a specific route option.
The Castro de Ulaca in Numbers and Shapes
The Castro de Ulaca was a fortified settlement, an oppidum with around 1,500 inhabitants spread over approximately 70 hectares. The site was abandoned around the middle of the 1st century BC; Ulaca and its surroundings are now protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the category of an archaeological zone. The oval defensive wall is more than three kilometres long. Nine entrances or breaks in the wall can be identified, two of which have been restored.
The sanctuary comprises two structures. A rectangular chamber is partly carved into the rock and measures 16 × 8 metres. The so-called sacrificial altar is a large granite boulder: a double staircase is carved into it, leading to a platform with two connected hollows. The chamber and the boulder show different ways of working the granite.
The so-called Sauna of Ulaca, traditionally also called “La Fragua”, occupies about 15 m². Its rectangular floor plan comprises three small rooms: a western antechamber or resting area, a chamber with two opposite benches carved into the granite for the steam bath, and a furnace for the fire. The interpretation of the structure as a sauna is based on similarities with the “pedras formosas” of other Iron Age settlements in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.
Planning Archaeological Visits
To reach the Castro de Ulaca, travel from Ávila along the N-502 to Solosancho, then continue to Villaviciosa. From Villaviciosa to the summit of the hill where the Castro is located, a large part of the route must be covered on foot. Plan for this walk as part of your visit.
Permission to visit La Cabeza de Navasangil must be requested from the Ayuntamiento de Solosancho. The keys to the fenced site are also issued there. The site is signposted for self-guided visits; arrange to collect the keys from the Ayuntamiento before your visit.
Church and Stone Monuments
The Iglesia de Santo Tomás Apóstol dates from the 17th century and is built of granite. Its single-nave layout and two-storey ashlar bell tower define the building. The church is also notable for its south-facing portico and Baroque main altarpiece.
A particularly large stone verraco, more than two metres long, now stands beside the church. The remains of a medieval necropolis carved into the rock have also been preserved at the entrance to Solosancho. In Villaviciosa stands the Castillo de Villaviciosa: built between the 15th and 16th centuries, it is privately owned, fully restored and now houses a hotel.
Landscape, Walking Trail and Wildlife
The municipality of Solosancho lies within the Paisaje Protegido de las Sierras de la Paramera y La Serrota protected landscape. It also includes Natura 2000 sites in the Sierras de La Paramera y La Serrota and the Natura 2000 site along the banks of the Adaja. A walking trail through a holm oak grove connects Solosancho with Riatas.
The wildlife offers another focus for observation. Red kites, kestrels and buzzards can be spotted, as can mammals including wild boar, rabbits, foxes and weasels. Those who choose the route to Riatas have a specific walking option; the wildlife mentioned adds the possibility of nature-watching to the experience of the landscape.
Festivals and Local Culture
The Luna Celta festival takes place every year in Solosancho and held its 20th edition in 2026. A packed programme for all ages was announced for 21, 22 and 23 August 2026. The festival programme includes a nighttime climb to a Castro followed by a theatrical performance. The combination of the climb and the theatre makes the festival an interesting cultural event beyond its archaeological structures.
The Ayuntamiento organises Celtibike as a non-competitive mountain bike ride open to everyone. The 2026 edition was scheduled for 27 September, starting and finishing on Calle Nueva, with an expected duration of less than four hours. Solotapas adds a culinary touch: at this gastronomic competition, the public tastes and rates specially prepared tapas. The event held its third edition in 2026; the first took place in 2024.
Discover more destinations: Robledillo, Villaviciosa, Velayos, Herreros De Suso, Hoyocasero, La Angostura, Piedrahita, Navaluenga
For the broader travel overview: Avila.
