Valdelamatanza can be explored through a variety of details: the Iglesia San Antonio Abad houses two religious artworks, each with its own story; old stone troughs, expansive views and a country path offer other points of interest. When planning your trip, it is important to consider not only which sight interests you, but also whether you would like to focus on culture, scenery or activity.
Church Art and Traditional Customs
The Iglesia San Antonio Abad houses a 13th-century Romanesque image of the Virgen del Rosario. The same church also has a carved pearwood figure of San Marcos. In the past, the figure was placed in wells to ward off drought. The two works offer different points of interest: the image is notable for its Romanesque style and age, while San Marcos stands out for its material and the former custom. The church therefore offers two different aspects of religious history: an image with a specific date and a figure whose story is linked to protection from drought.
Stone Troughs, Views and Local Traditions
Los 14 Pilares is an old livestock watering place made up of 14 consecutive stone troughs. From there, you can see the Sierra de Hervás. The Páramo el Canchal de la Zorra also offers expansive views, in this case across the Hornacinos valley. The two viewpoints differ in what they look out over: from Los 14 Pilares, the view takes in the Sierra, while from the Páramo, it extends across the valley. Along with the history of the watering place, they bring both past use and different landscapes into focus.
Near the Páramo is La cabeza del Castillo, where, according to local tradition, a Vetton fortress may once have stood. Also near the Páramo, you can see stone vaults traditionally attributed to the Vettons. The traditions are phrased differently: the fortress is described as a possible former site, while the vaults are traditionally attributed to a culture. These historical interpretations add another perspective on the area to the expansive view across Hornacinos.
Path and Festival Date
The eight-kilometre country path to Valdelamatanza runs through a small valley and is suitable for walking and cycling. As well as the viewpoints, you can choose a route for getting active. Both activities take place on the same path; the choice is how to travel it, while its length and route through the valley remain the same.
Valdelamatanza’s patron saint festivities are associated with 17 January; the specific programme may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around the festivities, check that year’s programme in advance.
Discover more destinations: Aldeaseca de la Armuña, Villanueva Del Conde, La Hoya, Parada De Arriba, Linares De RiofrĂo, Villares De La Reina, Villares De Yeltes, Salamanca.
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