River landscape, canyon and routes
Castroserna de Abajo lies on the banks of the Río San Juan. The river landscape, the canyon carved by the river and a sheer rock face where griffon vultures nest give the place a distinctive natural character. There is also a hiking route, a mountain biking route, caves with possible early medieval connections, and two September traditions. When planning a trip, there is a practical choice to make: should nature take centre stage on foot or by bike, or should the visit be planned around a cultural event?
Downstream from Castroserna de Abajo, the Río San Juan forms an impressive sheer rock face where a large colony of griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) nests. The river and the rock face are two striking natural features: the town’s position by the water and the nesting colony on the steep cliff. Those who factor the landscape and birdlife into their choice of destination will find a clear point of interest here. Seasonal wildlife sightings may vary.
The Ruta senderista por el Río San Juan is an 8.54-kilometre hiking trail. Along it, you can experience the canyon formed by the river as it passes through Castroserna de Abajo. The hike therefore focuses on the canyon shaped by the Río San Juan. If you want to explore on foot, you can compare this canyon-focused option with the mountain biking route.
The Ruta en BTT por el Río San Juan is 62.4 kilometres long and runs, among other places, through the limestone gorges between Castroserna de Arriba and Castroserna de Abajo. The two routes differ in activity and length: the 8.54-kilometre hiking trail leads to the canyon, while the 62.4-kilometre mountain biking route runs, among other places, through the gorges between the two settlements. You can choose the focus of your trip based on whether you would rather hike or go mountain biking.
Caves and religious history
Cueva Labrada may once have served as a rock-cut hermitage; the caves surrounding it may have been used as hermitages by early medieval monks. Both interpretations point to possible religious use of the rocks, but refer to different places: Cueva Labrada itself in one case, and the surrounding caves in the other. Hermitages are secluded retreats used by monks. This offers another perspective for travellers interested in the history of religious retreats, alongside the routes through the river landscape.
The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is situated on a slope in the Río San Juan valley; its building was extended in the 19th century. This offers a different historical connection from the possible earlier uses of the caves: the ermita is associated with a building extension in the 19th century, while Cueva Labrada and the surrounding caves are associated with possible earlier uses. Its position on the slope places this religious site in the Río San Juan valley, too.
September: dances and a romería
Paloteo dances take place in Castroserna de Abajo on the last weekend of September. The large romería in honour of the Virgen de los Remedios takes place on the last Sunday of September. These are two separate cultural occasions to consider when choosing your dates: the dances take place over the weekend, and the pilgrimage on Sunday.
If you are planning to travel specifically for one of these traditions, check the exact dates for the relevant year before booking. This lets you take the occasion you want to attend into account when planning your trip, without conflating the two dates into a single event.
Discover more destinations: Chatún, Navas De Oro, Castillejo De Mesleón, Valle De Tabladillo, Castroserna De Arriba, Aldeanueva De La Serrezuela, El Espinar, Prádena.
For the broader travel overview: Segovia.
