El Gordo: Dolmen, Church and Storks
Accommodation in El Gordo
El Gordo brings together a significant megalithic monument, distinctive buildings and stork nests. Of particular interest for understanding the town are the Dolmen de Guadalperal, the building history of the Iglesia de San Pedro ApĂłstol and the historical traces at Puebla de Naciados. The walking routes and the journey from the direction of Madrid also offer practical guidance for planning your trip.
The Dolmen de Guadalperal in the reservoir
The Dolmen de Guadalperal lies in the Embalse de Valdecañas and is almost permanently underwater. It emerges only during prolonged periods of drought or when water is released from the reservoir. Its visibility is therefore dependent on these conditions: the monument is not visible all the time, but only in the situations described. This distinctive feature shapes how people experience one of the best-known archaeological sites in the municipality of El Gordo.
On 10 May 2022, the dolmen was protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the category of an archaeological zone. Its significance goes beyond this designation: it is one of the most remarkable examples of megalithism in the middle basin of the Tagus and is also considered an early example of restoration at an archaeological site. Its regional importance is thus linked to a special role in the history of restoration.
The building history of the Iglesia de San Pedro ApĂłstol
An inscription dated 1596 can be found on the Iglesia de San Pedro ApĂłstol, probably referring to the construction of the chancel. The nave and part of the bell tower were presumably built in the late 15th century. The year in the inscription and the estimated dates for the other parts of the building therefore refer to different parts of the church.
The chancel has an octagonal floor plan and is covered by a Gothic star vault. The Baroque high altar includes a niche with a depiction of Saint Peter. The church therefore displays a variety of architectural features: the octagonal shape and star vault in the chancel, as well as the Baroque altar with its image of the saint after whom the church is named. Together, these details give a concrete impression of the building’s history and furnishings.
Stork nests in the townscape
El Gordo is nicknamed “the village of storks” because it is home to a large colony of white storks. Numerous nests are on the roof of the Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol, with more on other buildings in El Gordo. The birds therefore shape the townscape beyond just one building. The ZEPA Embalse de Valdecañas, which includes El Gordo, also helps visitors understand the surrounding landscape.
Walking routes and historical traces
The Chaparral walking route runs between El Gordo and Berrocalejo. Another walking route leads to the remains of Puebla de Naciados. Various Roman remains can be seen along this route, including a bridge and the Fuente de los Muertos. The two route descriptions emphasize different features: Chaparral is defined by its course between two towns, while the other route leads to historical remains.
The remains of Puebla de Naciados include the ruins of the Santiago Church; there is also a rest area among the remains. Puebla de Naciados is also home to a rollo, or picota, dating from the 15th century. Religious ruins and a dated historical monument therefore come together at this site. To understand the walking route, its destination and the Roman traces mentioned along the way are particularly useful.
Getting there from the direction of Madrid
The A-5 is the main route to follow: when travelling from Madrid via this motorway, El Gordo is the first town you reach in Extremadura. This places the town in the context of the journey and complements the cultural and landscape information with a specific travel-planning detail.
Discover more destinations: Talayuela, Tornavacas, Ruanes, Torreorgaz, La Granja, Cañamero, ValdencĂn, Hervás
For the broader travel overview: Cáceres.
