At the Castro de Yecla la Vieja, rocky terrain and waterways meet archaeological heritage: the site lies at the confluence of the Huebra River and the Varlaña stream. In Yecla De Yeltes, cultural history and landscape take centre stage; the fortified site, the Aula Arqueológica and paths with different points of focus offer varied perspectives on the place and its surroundings.

Castro, History and Architecture

The Castro El Castillo is surrounded by a thick granite wall that encloses approximately five hectares. The wall and rocky terrain reveal two distinct aspects of the site: its fortifications and its setting in a striking landscape.

The Aula Arqueológica de Yecla de Yeltes is located in the town’s Plaza Mayor. It features a model of the Castro site, as well as explanatory drawings and photographs. The model presents the site as a spatial whole, while the drawings and images complement this depiction. Those interested in its history will find here not only a view of the walls and terrain, but also an engaging interpretation of the site.

The Castro de Yecla de Yeltes was inhabited by the Vettones around 500 BC and remained in use during the Roman period. The Museo del Castro de Yecla la Vieja offers a historical perspective spanning from the 5th century BC to the Middle Ages. Together, these topics make clear the distinction between a specific early period in the Castro’s history and a broadly defined historical span.

The Ermita de la Virgen del Castillo is also part of the history of the fortified site: it lies within the fortifications of Yecla la Vieja. Its origins may date to the late Romanesque period. This tentative dating distinguishes its possible origins from the clearly stated occupation of the Castro by the Vettones around 500 BC.

Paths Through the Landscape

The Circuito de Yecla de Yeltes circular route begins in the town of Yecla de Yeltes; the Ermita de Santiago Apóstol is given as the starting point. The chapel was built on a late Romanesque cemetery. Thus, as well as its connection to the town, this circular route centres on a historic building at its starting point.

The Camino de los Vados del Río Huebra offers a different perspective on the landscape. The trail passes stone walls, dozens of Chozos, lagoons and ponds. It also features mills and river crossings equipped with footbridges or rows of large stones. Take the season into account when planning, as the landscape along the trail is subject to seasonal conditions.

Along the Camino, Dehesas make up a large part of the landscape. Holm oaks and Pyrenean oaks grow there, and the Dehesas also provide a habitat for several bird species. The Circuito circular route therefore offers a different focus from the Camino: here, a historic starting point shapes the experience, while there, landscape features, waterways and habitats take centre stage.

A few kilometres from Yecla De Yeltes, various routes and several viewpoints offer views of the Duero as it flows through the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. This adds a regional perspective on the river to the immediate connection between the Castro and the Huebra. This means that interests may range from archaeological history and its buildings to the Dehesas and the surrounding river landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Mozárbez, Matilla De Los Caños Del Río, Miranda Del Castañar, El Bodón, Masueco, Gallegos De Argañán, Villanueva Del Conde, Pedrosillo El Ralo.

For the main travel overview: Salamanca.