Coca combines an extensive forest landscape with archaeological remains from several periods. Those choosing the town for a stay can focus on culture, the history of forests and resin, or getting active on a route.
Forest Landscape and Location
Coca lies on an interfluvial ridge formed by the Voltoya and Eresma rivers. An extensive forest landscape surrounds the town. It includes 8,000 hectares of catalogued public forest with PEFC certification. Stone pines and resin pines are among the tree species found there; there are also other privately owned forest areas. The figure refers to the catalogued public forest, with private areas in addition.
Traces from Several Periods
The Vaccaean city wall of Cauca dates from the late 4th or early 3rd century BC. More than 200 metres of the medieval city wall survive in their original location. The Domus Romana preserves almost 200 metres of Roman remains; its colourful frescoes reach heights of up to two metres. The Torre de San Nicolás also points to a vanished building: it is the only visible remnant of the Romanesque church of San Nicolás.
Three Vaccaean verracos (stone boars) survive in Coca: one is inside the castle grounds, and two others are near the Puerta de la Villa. This gate, also known as the Puerta de Segovia, has a brick alfiz on its outer side. On the inner side, a painted depiction of the Deesis appears on a panel above the lintel. The two sides therefore feature different architectural and pictorial details.
Further details can be found in the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor: its tombs are made of Carrara marble and were created by Doménico Fancelli and Bartolomé Ordóñez. Traditional houses also have a distinctive roof detail: their tiles are interwoven and laid lengthwise in a concave arrangement. Together, these examples show the different ways in which architecture and historical evidence are visible in Coca.
Forest Knowledge and Activities
The Museo Nacional Forestal CEREBOSMA is in Coca and comprises two buildings with exhibitions on nature and forest-related themes. Topics include resin-tapping methods and tools, as well as collections relating to trees, seeds, fauna, fungi and forest plants. Those interested in the forest landscape can learn both about working with resin and about the forest’s many components.
The routes also offer different experiences. The Ruta de los refugios resineros leads to three restored shelters that once protected resin workers from the elements and served as resting places. The Vía Verde del Valle del Eresma is suitable for walking and cycling; Coca is one of the towns along the route. This offers a choice between a route connected with the history of resin work and an opportunity to get active on foot or by bike.
Festival Dates and Accommodation
The festival in honour of Nuestra Señora and San Roque takes place on 15 and 16 August. Its traditional events include bull runs, capeas, fire bulls and fireworks; the specific programme may vary. If you plan to time your trip around the festival, check the dates and programme in advance.
Municipal visitor information dated 27 October 2023 lists 16 bunk spaces, as well as mattresses and blankets, at the municipal Casa del Peregrino at Avda. Juan Pablo II 42. If you are considering this accommodation for your plans, check its current availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Trescasas, Chatún, Cerezo De Abajo, Marugán, Valle De Tabladillo, Yanguas De Eresma, Carbonero El Mayor, Fuentemilanos.
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