Trails and landscape

Peleagonzalo lies at the foot of a hill crowned by Monte San Miguel, about one kilometre from the left bank of the Duero. Irrigated farmland, dryland and scrubland shape the landscape on the slopes and across the Vega to the river.

After crossing the eastern edge of the village, the trail climbs through a small valley with holm oaks and rockroses; Peleagonzalo’s wine cellars lie on the right. Stage 18 of the Camino Natural Duero–Toro–Zamora turns onto the Camino de San Miguel and heads towards Peleagonzalo. Check local trail information before setting out.

The village’s history

On 1 March 1476, the Battle of Peleagonzalo was fought in the Castroquemado gorge. This is distinct from the Battle of Toro, which was fought in this area during the War of the Castilian Succession between the forces of Isabel la Católica and Juana la Beltraneja, and was decisive in the later victory of the Isabelline faction. The two names refer to different battles, although both are part of the area’s history.

After the village was almost completely destroyed on 28 December 1860, the new Peleagonzalo was built on the flank of Monte San Benito and officially inaugurated on 29 September 1862. The present-day Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel was designed in 1901–1902 and replaced the former Renaissance church. The new parish church was inaugurated on 25 February 1906. The village’s reconstruction and the later construction of the church thus mark two separate stages in its more recent architectural history.

Festivals, wine and river trips

Every year on 29 September, Peleagonzalo celebrates its patron saint’s festival in honour of San Miguel Arcángel. Every year on 9 May, the village holds a pilgrimage to San Gregorio Nacianceno at Fuente del Soto. These two annual events take place at different times of the year. If you are travelling specifically for either one, check the exact programme in advance.

Peleagonzalo has numerous wine cellars where local residents store wines produced in the village. Their location on the right-hand side of the ascending trail links a specific landmark with the local storage of wine.

The Toro–Villaralbo stage of the Duero Route is designated as a river-trip route and is 35 kilometres long. Access to the launch site is from the N-122, along the road towards Peleagonzalo, and then via an unpaved track to a picnic area and the facilities of Club Piragua 5 Pilares. River conditions and operational suitability may vary; check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Rozas, Santa Cruz De Los Cuérragos, Entrala, Viñas, Morales De Toro, San Vitero, Samir De Los Caños, Villalpando.

For the broader travel overview: Zamora.