Santa Marta Del Cerro lies on a hill offering wide-ranging views over much of the Ochavo and the Sierra. Centuries-old juniper trees stand along several roads leading to the town centre. The town therefore offers different points of interest for visitors interested in culture and landscape: a Romanesque parish church, historic features that have been preserved, festivals throughout the year and the landscape along the Río Caslilla. When choosing a destination, you can decide whether you are particularly interested in historic architecture, festival dates or riverside paths.

Landscape along the Río Caslilla

The Río Caslilla flows beside the town and irrigates the surrounding fields. Along its banks, you can walk through the riverside woodland typical of river courses. The river thus shapes both the irrigation of the surrounding area and an opportunity for a walk through the riverside landscape.

The Ruta del Caslilla is also a point of interest for cyclists. It connects the Río San Juan and Río Duratón catchment areas and reaches Santa Marta Del Cerro via the Arroyo de los Ejidos, where large juniper trees grow. From the Church of Santa Marta, the route follows the Camino de Valtosilla and crosses the Río Caslilla. Check local conditions before setting out on a bike ride.

Historic architecture in the town

The Fragua building has been preserved. There is also a Potro de Herrar in the square by the town hall. The preserved structure is made of durable juniper wood. Juniper can therefore be seen in two different features around the town: as a centuries-old tree along the roads leading into town and as the material used for the Potro.

The parish church of Santa Marta is a Romanesque building dating from the 13th century. Its floor plan has a single nave and includes a presbytery and a semicylindrical apse. “Single-nave” describes a main space; the semicylindrical apse forms its rounded end. The church’s age, overall form and individual architectural features are all of interest.

Festivals throughout the year

The festival calendar offers several events with specific dates. San Sebastián is celebrated every year on January 20. San Isidro Labrador follows on May 15, with a mass, procession and shared meal. The festival of the Virgen de Arahuetes takes place in the second week of September. During its procession, several pairs dance jotas in front of the image. The dates span January to September, offering different opportunities to plan a stay around a festival.

Plateaus and pastureland

The municipality’s landscape includes limestone plateaus with high-quality pastureland. Traditionally, this land was used by Churra sheep; raising them is associated with the production of high-quality suckling lamb. This agricultural aspect complements impressions of the riverbank, riverside woodland and juniper trees with the use of the open landscape.

Discover more destinations: Bernuy de Porreros, La Pradera De Navalhorno, Sauquillo de Cabezas, Marugán, Castroserracín, Cabezuela, La Velilla, Cedillo De La Torre.

Return to the main travel overview: Segovia.