Attractions and Places To See around Las Berlanas - Top 11

Narros de Saldueña Castle, also known as the Castle of the Duke of Montellano, is one of the best-preserved fortresses in the province of Ávila. It is located in the town of Narros de Saldueña, within the town limits. Construction: Late 15th century, attributed to Rodrigo de Valderrábanos, Lord of the Saldueña Estate. Expansions: It was renovated and enlarged at the beginning of the 16th century by his successors.

The Castro de Las Cogotas, located in the municipality of Cardeñosa (Ávila), is one of the most emblematic Iron Age archaeological sites on the Iberian Peninsula, especially linked to the Vetton people. It is situated on a hill next to the Adaja River, surrounded by holm oak groves, pastures, and fertile land. This location offered defensive advantages and abundant natural resources. The fort is open to the public and has an Interpretation Center that explains its history and characteristics. Periodic archaeological conferences are also held on the site.

Aveinte, a name with historical roots, has a fascinating legend dating back to ancient times. Many centuries ago, at the dawn of the Middle Ages, there was a small town in what we know today as Aveinte. The inhabitants of this place were simple people, dedicated mainly to agriculture and livestock. They lived in harmony with nature and worshiped the gods of the earth and sky. One day, during a time of drought and scarcity, the locals gathered in the town square to pray for rain and good harvests. The wise old man of the place, known as Adventius, led the ceremony. With his wrinkled hands and deep voice, he spoke words of supplication to heaven. Legend has it that, at that crucial moment, a mysterious figure appeared among the clouds. He was a luminous being, dressed in white robes and silver hair. The villagers were amazed and knelt before this heavenly presence. The being addressed Adventius and spoke to him in an ancient language that only he understood. “For your devotion and the faith of your people, I will grant a blessing,” he said. “From now on, every twenty years, the waters of the river that runs through Aveinte will overflow, fertilizing the land and ensuring abundant harvests.” Thus the name Aveinte was born, which means “advent” or “arrival” in honor of the heavenly visit. Since then, every twenty years, the river overflows and renews the earth, fulfilling the promise of the luminous being. The inhabitants of Aveinte keep this tradition alive and celebrate “Aveinte” with joy and gratitude. The legend has been passed down from generation to generation, and the town's name remains a reminder of its connection to the divine and renewed hope. So, when you walk through the cobblestone streets of Aveinte, remember this story and the magic that surrounds its name. 🌟🏡

The Castle of the Duke of Montellano, also known as Castle of Narros de Saldueña, is located at the end of the town of Narros de Saldueña, in the heart of the La Moraña plain, in the province of Ávila, autonomous community of Castilla y León. This castle, tracing its origins to the 15th century, is a good example of a castle-palace built with brick and mud (mortar), which relates it to Mudejar architecture.

The place name Mingorría retains Basque reminiscences, deriving from “mendi gorria,” which means “red mountain” or “red land.” This is observed in other cases in the province of Ávila, such as the town of Mendigorría in Navarra. In historical documents, Mingorría already appears as Ningorría, and it is believed that there was an assimilation due to the change of the liquid initials “M” to “N.” Another legend attributes the name of Mingorría to the notice that José Chinchurreta gave to monarch Felipe II, justifying the delay in the supply of granite during the works of the Monastery of El Escorial.

Beautiful castle also called the Duke of Montellano (Ávila) Well-preserved building that is worth visiting!

The castle of the Duke of Montellano dates from the s. XV and, given the use of brick and mud in its construction, it is related to Mudejar architecture. In its day it belonged to the Valderrábano family. It is listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest.

Cardeñosa is the ideal place to stop along the way and have a drink to continue the route. Here is the Castro Interpretation Center