BambalinasConversos

Behind the scenes of the Festival of Converts

Hervás

Behind the scenes of the Festival of Converts

Experience a thematic visit: Jews and converts of Hervás.

Duration

1 hour y 15 minutes

Timetables

9:30h

Languages

Spanish English

Ideal for

1-20 people
Families, couples and friends

A WHOLE EXPERIENCE....
Unveiling the Festival of Converts through a thematic visit.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Do you know the cultural Festival of Converts in Hervás? A street festival that will not leave you indifferent. This event divulges the history of Hervás during the period of coexistence of the Jewish and Christian communities and their legacy to the present day, through theatre, music and gastronomy.
Ana, official guide will make you relive the life of the Jews in the 15th century in Hervás and how it changed after the signing of the Edict of Expulsion of the Catholic Monarchs. You will visit the historic centre of the charming village of Hervás, entering the Jewish quarter, strolling through its narrow and bucolic streets, and admiring the church of San Juan Bautista whose foundation is due to a Jewish convert, a jewel of baroque art in Extremadura.
Ana will lead you to the heart of the festival of the converts, so that you can learn first-hand and at your own pace the history through a theatrical performance in an idyllic setting. One, two, three, the curtain opens on the banks of the Ambroz river!

Information and bookings
Meeting point
  • PRICE:
  • "Check rates with the supplier"
  • Organized by Ambroven
  • THE PRICE INCLUDES:
  • Guided tour with an official touristic guide. Civil liability insurance.
  • TO BE CONSIDERED:
  • Available exclusively during the Festival of Converts, first weekend of July each year.
  • Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
RutaBiciElectrica

Route through Caparra by electric bicycle

Cáparra

Route through Caparra by electric bicycle

Live the electric experience and let yourself go!

Duration

4 hours

Timetables

All year round
Monday to Sunday 9h to 13h and 16h to 20h

Languages

Spanish

Ideal for

1-10 people
Families, couples and friends.

A WHOLE EXPERIENCE....
Exploring the meadows of Cáparra and its surroundings by electric bike.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Trasierra and Tierras de Granadilla is a place to discover, its nature reserves, rivers, lakes and historical sites will not leave you indifferent. Do you want to know the beauty that surrounds Cáparra? Get into the history, culture and nature in a unique route by electric bicycle through the region of Trasierra-Tierras de Granadilla.
You will start your route in Oliva de Plasencia to go to Cáparra. You will ride through one of the most beautiful pastures of the province of Cáceres, you will observe a cattle ranch and its own ecosystem. Arriving at Cáparra, you will visit the interpretation centre, where you will learn about the history of the Roman city of Cáparra with a video recreation of the city. Then, you will walk through this historic city to finish capturing this moment with a photo in the arch of Cáparra through a professional camera that the company will provide and that you will receive as a souvenir of this experience.
Pedalling, you will cross farm roads until you reach the Gabriel y Galán reservoir. You will observe rivers, rockroses, cork oaks, holm oaks and birds, among other elements of the rich landscape of the area. To finish with a flourish, you will enjoy a picnic of local products before returning to the starting point through an unforgettable natural environment.
Delve into history, culture and nature on a unique route on an electric bicycle through the beauty of Trasierra and Tierras de Granadilla.

Information and bookings
Meeting point
  • PRICE:
  • "Check rates with the supplier"
  • Organized by e-bikes Hervás
  • THE PRICE INCLUDES:
  • Specialized and qualified guide.
  • Technical equipment: electric bicycle and helmet.
  • Liability insurance and accident insurance.
  • Tool kit, route design, continuous assistance.
  • TO BE CONSIDERED:
  • Reservations must be done in advanced.
  • Advanced reservations are required.
  • Availability of the activity subject to weather conditions.
  • The route may vary depending on the needs and conditions of the participants.
conversos-destacada

The Converts of Hervás. The Festival of Culture and Reconciliation

The Converts of Hervás. The Festival of Culture and Reconciliation

Portada » Archivo de rcasares » Page 19

In 11th-century rural Spain, there were numerous examples beyond the capitals of peaceful coexistence and practical wisdom. Small agricultural communities like Hervás were home to people devoted to different gods and creeds, their lives pledged to lords and feudal domains. In this climate of ignorance and superstition, the Inquisition thrived, inflicting wounds that revealed the basest human miseries and festered for generations. Healing these wounds is the work of those who find a path to reconciliation and celebration through culture, in a way that soothes and heals communities.

The Festival of The Converts in Hervás, now in its 26th edition, seeks to balance historical truth with the balm of festivity and joy. It does this by bringing to Hervás, its past and present, great literature, popular theatre, music, history, and the revival of gastronomic and artisanal traditions. Most importantly, the festival celebrates coexistence and cultural reconciliation in a spectacular natural setting, with the Jewish Quarter of Hervás as the extraordinary stage and the enthusiastic participation of its residents.

In 2024 the Converts festival will be held from 4-7 July in Hervás, Cáceres.

+info: //www.losconversos.com y http://www.turismodehervas.com

Miriam Campuzano

Hervás Tourist Office

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hervas

Hervás, an amazing town

Hervás, an amazing town

Portada » Archivo de rcasares » Page 19

Hervás is a captivating town that’s full of surprises. Visitors often have preconceived notions of the town’s Jewish heritage and a somewhat blurred sense of its geographical and historical location, given its position on the border between the Kingdom of León and Extremadura. These notions stay with them as they discover a humanised crafted to the rhythm of a visionary, modern, and cosmopolitan spirit.

Today, the town and its inhabitants proudly assume the Jewish heritage, converted by tradition into a character trait, but that was not always the case. It took courage, time, and cultural maturity to finally dispel the stigma that lingered in the air as an insult for so long: “In Hervás, mostly Jews.”

The Jewish Quarter, a testament to humble and stoic survival, owes its preservation to generations of residents and stands as the town’s most recognisable symbol. Yet it is nature, the landscape, and its sustainable use that have truly shaped the identity of the people of Hervás. Both aspects earned official recognition of their value when the Jewish Quarter was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1969, and the Castañar Gallego Public Forest was designated a Protected Landscape of Extremadura in 2015.

The recognition of Hervás’ heritage affirmed its resilience and highlighted the value of interculturality. It also put the spotlight on a number of significant landmarks: the churches of St. Mary of Aguas Vivas and the Convent of the Discalced Trinitarians of St. John Baptist of the Conception, the House of Dávila with its valuable collection of sculptures and paintings by Enrique Pérez Comendador and Madeleine Leroux, the old Franciscan Infirmary of Abadía, the columns of the foundational hermitage, and the medieval bridge in Fuente Chiquita. This remarkable recognition, whilst illuminating certain aspects, has overshadowed other noteworthy treasures – hidden gems that curious travellers can uncover for their own enjoyment and personal growth.

And just as the life-sustaining natural environment welcomed the first settlers here and enabled them to thrive, so the water from the Ambroz River powered the mills for the textile industry and small hydroelectric power plants. The Castañar Gallego Forest provided the materials for basket weaving and woodworking. Later, these natural resources became the perfect setting for the development of sports and tourism activities.

The history of Hervás and its inhabitants is best explained and understood within a geographical context and considering the unique combination of environment, climate and landscape. At first glance, the unparalleled setting reveals itself as a mountain gateway, with lofty snow-capped peaks and rolling hillsides populated with oak and chestnut trees. A living canvas that changes with the seasons: from the vibrant green of spring, to the softer hues of summer that are ultimately transformed into the striking ochres and browns of autumn. The Ambroz River winds its way through the valley that bears its name, flowing downward until it meets the classic Extremaduran dehesa.

If we were to launch a paper airplane from the 2,000-meter summit of Pico Pinajarro with favourable winds, it would glide down in gentle curves to the dehesa plains at just under 550 meters, passing over a mosaic of landscapes along the way: alpine scenery, Atlantic and Mediterranean forests, orchards and farmland. This broad altitudinal range, rich and varied, has historically served as both a vantage point and a direct witness to the seasonal movement of wildlife and livestock. It also witnessed the movement of people who brought with them the culture and civilisation that shaped the region and left an indelible mark on its very fabric.

Miriam Campuzano

Hervás Tourist Office

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Granadilla-destacada

Zarza de Granadilla

Zarza de Granadilla

Culture, Nature, and Gastronomy

Zarza de Granadilla blends culture, nature, and gastronomy in a way that creates truly unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors.

Known simply as La Zarza, it was joined with Granadilla in 1965 when the latter was abandoned following the construction of the Gabriel y Galán reservoir.

If you’re interested in religious heritage you won’t want to miss the 16th-century Church of Our Lady of the Assumption or the 18th-century Christ of Mercy hermitage.

Located just 11 kilometres from Zarza de Granadilla on the banks of the Gabriel y Galán Reservoir is the charming and resistant medieval walled town of Granadilla. Much of its territory is submerged beneath the waters of the reservoir, but on a rise, the village stands as a testament to times past.

The Medieval walled town of Granadilla was declared a Historic Site in 1980 and has been carefully restored and preserved, despite being uninhabited since 1965.

As you walk through the gates of this walled village you are transported back to the Middle Ages. Climb up to the castle for spectacular views of the Gabriel y Galán Reservoir. Highlights include the Granadilla Castle, the Church of the Assumption, the wall and the houses in the Plaza Mayor. Before entering the walled town we are greeted by the fantastic Noble Elm Tree of Extremadura.

Contemplate the immensity of the starry sky at the Celeste Overlook in the picnic area that you’ll see just before you enter the main gate of the village.

If you visit in late summer, you may hear the bellowing of the deer in the pine forests of Granadilla at sunrise or sunset. If you prefer autumn and winter, another spectacle of nature that you cannot miss is the return of the cranes to their roosts on the banks of the Gabriel y Galán Reservoir.

Granadilla’s pine forests are the ideal habitat for the captive breeding of more than thirty specimens of Iberian lynx that live in the Iberian Lynx Captive Breeding Centre, a project of the Ministry of the Environment. To learn more about these animals visit the Iberian Lynx Awareness Centre in Zarza de Granadilla. The centre also has information about the town’s history, natural environment and gastronomy.

Also in the town square, be sure to visit the Project “M” Exhibition Hall, which showcases the region’s artistic and cultural offerings, with travelling exhibitions of artists from within and outside the region. There’s also an ethnographic museum in the same building.

Zarza de Granadilla has a rich culinary heritage. It is known for its production of bell peppers for paprika, and one of the most outstanding dishes is the delicious zorongollo salad made from roasted red bell pepper and tomato, as well as “escabechás” potatoes (potatoes cooked in a tangy marinade).

Nowadays, it is actually a regional gastronomic hub. Other notable local products include mushrooms, cheese, beer and even rum or gin, which have received national and international awards. For the grand finale of your visit to Zarza de Granadilla, indulge in exquisite local cuisine with a stop at the Michelin-starred restaurant Versátil.

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villar-de-plasencia-cabecera

Villar de Plasencia

Villar de Plasencia

Roman Past

Villar de Plasencia, a small town with a lot of history to the south of Ambroz-Cáparra, next to Cabezabellosa and Oliva de Plasencia.

Here, history comes alive for hiking and cycling enthusiasts on two historic trails: the Vía de la Plata, an ancient Roman road that evokes the Roman Empire’s glory as it traverses Ambroz-Cáparra from north to south, and the Vía Verde de la Plata (Silve Way Greenway), a former railway line that once carried passengers between Astorga and Plasencia, now converted into a scenic greenway.

We highly recommend that you visit its architectural gems, including the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, a 16th-century Renaissance treasure, and two Baroque hermitages dedicated to Saint Bartholomew and Saint Anthony of Padua. And don’t forget to stop at the Cruz del Humilladero, a place of devotion that has borne witness to the prayers of the devout over the centuries.

Take advantage of your visit to Ambroz-Cáparra by exploring the Vespasian Way, a road that begins in Villar de Plasencia and leads to the ancient Roman city of Cáparra.

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SeguradeToro-destacada

Segura de Toro

Segura de Toro

Vettone territory

A natural lookout and the oldest village of Ambroz-Cáparra, located on a steep slope in the Tras la Sierra mountains.

Segura de Toro is home to the magnificent remains of the Vettones, an ancient pre-Roman people who inhabited the western part of the peninsula. Two stone boars stand majestically in the main square, whilst a stele with inscriptions and carvings adorns the entrance to the village. Discover more vestiges of this ancient civilisation on the SL-CC 101 Lagares Celtas Trail that runs along a stream.

Wander through its steep, winding streets adorned with charming corners and flower-draped façades and discover the remnants of the ancient Templar castle walls.

During the summer months, don’t miss the natural pool fed by the waters of the Garganta Grande, an ideal place to relax and cool off.

You can hike the La Burila trail, a loop trail that connects Aldeanueva del Camino and Segura de Toro along the old Ruta de la Plata. A trip to Segura de Toro wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Castaños del Temblar – a stunning group of five majestic chestnut trees designated as Noble Trees of Extremadura. Bear in mind that the Castaños del Temblar Trail is closed in autumn.

Cap off your visit to Segura de Toro at the Canchal de la Cigüeña overlook which offers spectacular views of Ambroz-Cáparra, or if you prefer, climb up to the Picute peak for amazing views of the sunset.

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santibañez-destacado

Santibáñez el Bajo

Santibáñez el Bajo

Rural and Iberian Charm

Nestled in the southernmost part of Trasierra-Tierra de Granadilla, Santibáñez el Bajo is surrounded by two streams and extraordinary dehesas.

The Church of St. James the Apostle (15th century) and the Hermitage of the Most Holy Christ of Peace (18th century) are the most notable religious monuments.

Nature lovers will enjoy hiking through olive groves and vineyards, by abandoned wine presses, and over the Dehesa de Santibáñez, especially during the montanera or free-range season in the heartland of Iberian ham production.

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santa-cruz-de-paniagua-destacado

Santa Cruz de Paniagua

Santa Cruz de Paniagua

Residence of San Pedro de Alcántara

The westernmost town of Ambroz-Cáparra, strategically located in the vicinity of the Sierra de Dios Padre.

Several vestiges make up the religious heritage of Santa Cruz de Paniagua, notably the 16th-century Church of San Salvadore, the Church of St. Mary Magdalene and the hermitages of Christ and the Holy Father, where the hermit St. Peter of Alcántara stayed between 1555 and 1557.

The Mozarabic Road to Las Hurdes runs through the town and there’s a natural pool in the vicinity, La Alisea, nestled in the middle of a lush, green landscape. There are two pools, both fed by water from natural streams, and there are recreational areas and food vendors in the summer.

There are other natural swimming holes such as the Balsa de El Bronco, the Balsa de Suertes Anchas and the Charca Azul to cool off on a hot day.

Because of the sheer number of views it offers, we recommend the trail to Sierra de Dios Padre from Santa Cruz de Paniagua as the perfect way to see one of the most important geodesic points in northern Cáceres. On a clear day you can see more than forty villages in northern Cáceres.

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La Pesga

La Pesga

Strolling Along the River

The Los Ángeles River surrounds La Pesga, a hidden gem in the north of Trasierra-Tierras de Granadilla.

A riverside promenade offering postcard-perfect views surrounds the town. This is a water lover’s paradise: from canoeing to serene boat rides, the river has something for everyone.

La Pesga’s history is told by the two bridges joining different periods. The first was built between 1925 and 1930. The second, in 1965. Together they tell the story of the town’s evolution and progress.

Another treasure of La Pesga awaits higher up, at the Pico Blanco overlook, a natural balcony offering breathtaking panoramic views. From here, you can admire the sea of olive trees stretching over the horizon, with the Los Ángeles River and the tranquil Gabriel y Galán Reservoir as a stunning backdrop.

The 18th-century church of San Francisco Javier is a testimonial of faith and architecture. This temple made of sturdy slate masonry served as a worship and burial place until 1846.

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