サンエステバンデロスパトスのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

The Castro de las Cogotas reservoir dam, located in the province of Ávila, offers spectacular views that combine engineering, nature, and archaeology.

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.

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 In historical documents, Mingorría already appears as Ningorría, and it is believed that there was an assimilation due to the change of the liquid initials “M” to “N.” Another legend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.

This dolmen has an ancient history, being used as a burial place from the end of the Neolithic to the beginning of the Bronze Age, covering the last centuries of the fourth millennium BC. until the first third of the second millennium BC. Its presence evokes mystery and connects us with the ancient cultures that built it.

On our tour from Lisbon via Porto to Madrid in 2023, one of the things I particularly remember is this wonderful drive through the unique landscape. Incredibly beautiful for several kilometers! View of the mountains, herds of cattle, colorful flowers along the way. 1A.👌👌

Natural route on foot and by bicycle that runs through the old commercial and livestock routes from Ávila to the lands of Campo de Voltoya. The route leads towards Bernuy-Salinero and beyond.

Megalithic monument built with granite or slate from a local quarry for ceremonial purposes.

The starting point of the tour is the small town of Mediana de Voltoya. The most notable monument is the Church of Saint Thomas.