Puerto De Béjar brings together the history of the Vía de la Plata, historic buildings, a former railway line converted into a greenway and walking trails. You can focus your trip planning on different interests: archaeological traces, church architecture, or routes on foot and by bicycle. An important geographical distinction is that the Vía Verde runs through the town, while the Way of St. James route passes to the left of the settlement.
Traces of the Vía de la Plata
Several Roman milestones remain along the Calzada Romana de la Vía de la Plata in Puerto De Béjar. One marked the beginning of the road at the station settlement and corresponded to the milestone at mile CXXXII. Much of the original paving also survives on the Calzada, known as the Camino Real. Beneath an A-66 bridge in the municipality, an excavated and restored section of the Vía de la Plata with a pebble surface is also preserved. This stretch gives an idea of what the route looked like in this area.
Routes on foot and by bicycle
The Camino Natural Vía de la Plata passes through Puerto De Béjar along the former railway corridor. This 21-kilometre Vía Verde can be used on foot or by bicycle. Here, the Vía Verde follows the former Ruta de la Plata railway line on the Seville–Gijón route. This brings the former railway line and its present-day use for walking and cycling together on one route.
The Entresierras mountain-biking routes include a section for adapted bicycles in Valbuena between Cantagallo and Puerto De Béjar. Specific maintenance conditions may vary. For walkers, there are signposted trails, including the Peñanegra route; check the signs locally.
The Way of St. James also needs to be considered separately in terms of its route: Stage 16 of the Vía de la Plata is 32 kilometres long in total and passes through the Puerto De Béjar area. However, the direct route does not go through the town; it passes to the left of the settlement. The distances refer to different routes: 21 kilometres for the Vía Verde and 32 kilometres for the entire stage.
Churches and a garden
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción dates back to the 16th century and is Gothic in style. The Ermita de Santa Bárbara dates from the 15th century and is Baroque in style. Visitors interested in religious architecture can take account of these two different historical and stylistic periods.
The Coto de Nuestra Señora del Carmen lies on the boundary between Puerto De Béjar and Peñacaballera. The romantic garden is in the style of the late 19th century and is designated a BIC in the Historic Garden category.
Mountains and forests
Puerto De Béjar is surrounded by mountains, including Peña Negra. The area around the town is characterised by forests of oaks, chestnuts, maples, ash trees, rowans and hazel bushes. Alongside buildings and historic routes, mountain and woodland landscapes are also features to consider when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: La Alberca, Hinojosa De Duero, Olmedo De Camaces, Navasfrías, La Maya, Masueco, Martinamor, Pereña De La Ribera.
For the broader travel overview: Salamanca.
