San Felices de los Gallegos combines the history of medieval fortifications with museums dedicated to olive oil and granite, as well as a walking route through almond groves and olive trees. Which of these aspects you choose to explore will give your stay in San Felices de los Gallegos a clear focus.
Castle, Walls and Building History
According to the chronicles, the Castillo de San Felices de los Gallegos was built in the 13th century by the Portuguese King Don Dinis; it took its final form in the 15th century. The medieval fortifications are protected by the castle and walls, which were built in successive phases. You can enter the walled area through the Torre de las Campanas. The tower of the Castillo offers views over the municipality and the neighbouring Portuguese territories.
The parish church also tells the story of different periods of construction: it is a transitional Romanesque building dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, which was altered during the Gothic-Renaissance period. Together with the fortifications, it offers a glimpse into more than one period of the town’s history. If you are particularly interested in the Castillo, you will find the Aula Histórica de San Felices in the keep. It presents the Ruta de las Fortificaciones de Frontera through signposted routes, information panels, a model of the fortifications, replicas of period weapons and interactive features. The visit also includes the dungeon and an original stone staircase leading to the upper terrace.
Olive Oil and Granite: Two Local Themes
The Museo del Aceite “Lagar del Mudo” is housed in a former olive mill. Its restoration was awarded a Europa Nostra medal in 2002. The museum traces the journey from olives to oil: pressing, extraction and storage are all part of the process on display. This shifts the focus to processing, rather than just the finished product.
The Museo de la CanterĂa focuses on something different. It shows how granite is formed, which types of granite are found locally and which quarries the stone comes from. It also pays tribute to the traditional craft of stonemasonry. Olive oil production and stoneworking thus offer two different ways to explore local history: one traces the process from raw material to oil, while the other focuses on a natural material and how it is worked by hand.
Walking Route and Other Activities
El Sendero del Aceite is a circular route linking the historic ensemble of San Felices de los Gallegos with Ahigal de los Aceiteros. The route is 11.4 kilometres long and crosses gentle terrain with few inclines. Almond groves and olive trees line the way. Check the current route conditions before setting off.
The Parque Multiaventura de San Felices offers a different activity. It is located in the historic ensemble of San Felices de los Gallegos, in the surroundings of the Las Arribes del Duero Nature Park. The park has two courses: a training course and a family course for multi-adventure activities. Check which courses are currently available before your visit. The options on offer are clearly different: El Sendero del Aceite is a walking route through the countryside, while the Parque Multiaventura offers multi-adventure courses.
El Noveno in May
El Noveno is recognised as a festival of regional tourist interest. It takes place on the second weekend in May; check the specific dates before travelling. The festival includes bull runs and bullfights in an arena built entirely from farm carts joined together. The programme may vary from year to year. If you want to plan your stay around El Noveno, the festival dates are a key part of your planning, alongside the historic buildings, museums and outdoor activities.
Discover more destinations: Sando, El Manzano, Mogarraz, La Vellés, San Pedro Del Valle, Olmedo De Camaces, Santiz, Sequeros.
For the broader travel overview: Salamanca.
