The best cycling routes around Fontiveros

The Valtodano spring is a water source located in the natural surroundings of the Valtodano River, within the municipality of Langa (Ávila). It forms part of a small recreational area/picnic spot used as a rest stop on hiking trails.

delicious fresh water and lots of shade

The Castle-Palace of Castronuevo, also known as Castle of Rivilla de Barajas, is an impressive fortification located in the municipality of Rivilla de Barajas, in the province of Ávila, within the autonomous community of Castilla y León. Although its current use is null, its history and structure reveal its former greatness. It was erected by Gil de Vivero before 1481, on the site of Castronuevo, and later remodeled by his son before selling it in 1489 to the Duke of Alba. The castle has three circular towers and two rectangular towers. Despite its age and danger of collapse, this castle remains a fascinating testament to medieval history and architecture. 🏰🌟

The Church of San Miguel in Peñaranda de Bracamonte is a beautiful classicist-style temple, built in quarry stone. Although its interior was severely damaged in 1971, its imposing exterior façade remains a testament to its history. After the fire of 1971, only the main altar chapel was saved, where the main altarpiece was located, a baroque masterpiece made by Sebastián Ducete and Esteban de Rueda. The chapel of San Antonio is also preserved, and in it you can see the Cristo de la Cama, an object of great local devotion. The stone baptismal font is original and was remodeled under the direction of Fernando Pulín, who received the National Restoration Award for his work. If you ever visit Peñaranda de Bracamonte, be sure to admire this architectural gem. 🌟🏰

The church dates back to the time of the Catholic Monarchs, specifically the 16th century. Its main entrance presents a spectacular doorway attributed to the sculptor and architect Juan Rodríguez. This doorway follows the classic scheme, with a semicircular arch flanked by two columns with Corinthian capitals. On the entablature and triangular pediment, you will find granite sculptures representing mythological beings and gargoyles.

The patronage of this place of worship “Santa Maria Asunción” or “Nuestra Señora de La Asunción” (in German-speaking countries it is called “Assumption of Mary”) refers to one of the many memorial or feast days in honor of the Blessed Mother Mary in the church year. It goes back to the festival of her physical assumption into heaven, which the (Catholic) Church celebrates annually on August 15th. In the Orthodox churches the festival is celebrated under the name “Assumption of the Virgin Mary”. In rural areas, depending on the region, it is part of the local custom that bundles of herbs are collected by the population on this day and blessed in the festival service.

This church was dedicated to the Archangel Michael "San MIGUEL". The name (coming from the Hebrew language) means "Who is like God?". He is often depicted - in paintings or as a statue - with a flaming sword, and occasionally a lance. Michael / Miguel is - along with Raphael, Gabriel and Uriel - one of the four archangels who (according to human understanding) occupy the highest rank in the heavenly hierarchy of angelic beings. Their common feast day in the saints' calendar is September 29th.

Church of Nuestra Señora de La Asunción is a Mudejar-style church, renovated in the 16th century. From the first construction phase (12th - 13th centuries), only part of the central apse remains. Its tower stands out, called "La Buena Moza", visible from several kilometers.