Waterways
Valle del Jerte is the valley of water. The union between valley and river is such that they even came to share the same name. The river was born at the top of the valley next to Tornavacas Port; humble origins for a true force of nature that sustains the life of this district. The valley and river cannot be understood without the network of creeks and ravines that feed them, forming a water system of transparent blood that circulates the valley below looking for a path between imposing rock walls. This millennia old struggle has formed a network of intricate labyrinths that hide a handful of unique geographic spaces: the ravines of Valle del Jerte, true geological and environmental treasures. To approach this path of water and rock is to approach the very heart and history of this valley at the foot of the Gredos sierra; a journey that leads us to corners where natural beauty is shown in all its splendour.
CASAS DE CASTAÑAR
This park is located next to Fuente del Santo and enjoys the freshness of the water current that gives it its name and which is born in Fuente de las Escobachas, an area of centuries-old chestnut trees on the slope of the San Bernabé sierra. The locality has its origins in the chestnut dryers of the inhabitants of Asperilla (dedicated to forestry in these mountains) and settlements for the hunting of bears and wolves, according to the book on hunting of King Alfonso XI. The old quarter has vernacular mountain architecture, with quiet narrow streets and timber houses of various heights with projectings and finished off with sun porches.
