Aliseda: Mining History, Culture and Hiking Trails

Aliseda lies at the foot of the 603-metre-high Sierra del Aljibe, in rugged, mountainous terrain with several surrounding hills. Most of the municipal area extends across the northern section of the Sierra de San Pedro, on the edge of the northern Penillanura Cacereña. The Sierra de San Pedro near Aliseda is designated as a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) and an Area of Regional Interest (ZIR).

Mina Pastora and the Treasure of Aliseda

Mina Pastora has protohistoric origins; a furnace dating from the 7th or 6th century BC was discovered inside it. Three levels of the mine are open to visitors. They contain iron minerals such as goethite, hematite and limonite, sulphates, various types of vegetation, as well as Roman remains and the protohistoric furnace. Protected bat species currently live in Mina Pastora; their presence may vary seasonally. A visit gives an insight into the mine's former iron extraction and its history. Confirm your visit in advance on site.

The Tesoro de Aliseda (Treasure of Aliseda) is a Phoenician-Tartessian find consisting of gold jewellery and grave goods. It was discovered on 29 February 1920 and is considered the first find of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula. A replica is on display at the Centro de Interpretación del Tesoro de Aliseda. A guided tour explains the find, Aliseda's role in protohistory, the goldsmithing techniques and the individual pieces. Reservations are required for the guided tour, so arrange a time in advance.

Church, Necropolis and Hermitage

The Parroquia de Santa María de la Asunción is a 15th-century church built mainly of masonry and slate. Its furnishings include a Baroque altarpiece. Another trace of the past is the Tumbas de los Moros: this Visigothic necropolis comprises six anthropomorphic tombs carved in granite, probably dating from the 6th or 7th century.

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Campo lies south of Aliseda in the Sierra de San Pedro. It dates from 1485, was extended in the 18th century and houses a 16th-century baptismal font. These buildings each have their own distinctive features: the church is defined by its building materials and altarpiece, while the necropolis stands out for the shapes of its rock-cut tombs and their probable date.

Hiking Trails and Landscape

Aliseda has eleven signposted hiking trails that can be walked during almost all seasons. Check local trail conditions before setting out. Striking rock formations made of quartzite and slate include Canchos del Muelle and Canchos de la Plata. On the Sierra de Valdelasmanos hiking route, you can see an old grain mill belonging to the church, as well as the springs Fuente Nueva, Fuente del Cura and Fuente del Castaño.

For a scenic road route that also takes in the Sierra de San Pedro, take the EX-303: it runs for 30 kilometres from Aliseda to Arroyo del Soldado near Alburquerque, and into the Sierra de San Pedro. The road route and the signposted hiking trails offer different perspectives on the landscape without requiring a specific walking time or schedule.

Local Specialities and Romería

Local game cuisine includes dishes or products made with venison, wild boar, hare, pigeon and partridge, among other things. Aliseda's pork specialities include chorizo, patatera, morcilla, lomo and jamón. Whether you can find particular products or dishes at a specific establishment depends on its offerings.

The traditional Romería takes place fourteen days after Easter Sunday at the Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Campo. If you would like to plan your stay around it, check the date for the year in question.

Discover more destinations: Almoharín, Sierra De Fuentes, Santibáñez El Bajo, Logrosán, La Garganta, Losar De La Vera, Barrado, Valdelacasa de Tajo.

For the main travel overview: Cáceres.