Martiherrero: Archaeology and a Hilly Landscape

Martiherrero combines a rural landscape with archaeological and historical themes. The town is considered a gateway to the northern side of the Sierra de Ávila; at the same time, the El Palomar archaeological site and the nearby abandoned settlement of Pedro Serrano point to different historical perspectives. If you are looking for a hotel in Martiherrero, these features help place the destination’s character in the context of its landscape, archaeological history and local heritage.

Landscape on the Northern Side of the Sierra de Ávila

Martiherrero lies in hilly terrain with holm oaks and pastureland. These landscape features complement one another: the terrain and vegetation describe the character of the place, while its position as a gateway puts the northern side of the Sierra de Ávila at the forefront. This allows the landscape to be understood both through the nature of the terrain and its connection to the Sierra. This perspective differs from the archaeological and written records that are also part of Martiherrero’s history.

Verracos and Cists at the El Palomar Site

During agricultural work at the El Palomar site in Martiherrero in 1975, four largely complete verracos and remains of cists were discovered. Archaeologically, the association of verracos and cists in Martiherrero is interpreted as an adaptation: the Hispano-Romans of the region adapted verracos for use as cupae during the transition from the 2nd to the 3rd century AD. For the chronology, it is important to keep the two details separate: 1975 is the year of discovery; the transition from the 2nd to the 3rd century AD is the period of the adaptation. Thus, a specific year of discovery and a much earlier historical interpretation appear side by side.

Pedro Serrano: Another Historical Trace

Another historical connection lies near Martiherrero: the abandoned settlement of Pedro Serrano. It is mentioned both in the Crónica de la población de Ávila and in documents from the 16th century. Unlike El Palomar, where archaeological finds and an interpretation of their function are central, Pedro Serrano appears in written records. The local history is therefore documented in two ways: through material finds and through references to an abandoned settlement in a chronicle and documents. The reference to the 16th century dates the documents, not the settlement itself.

A Suggested Route Through Martiherrero

Another perspective is offered by the first route proposed as part of the province’s Teresian route program. Presented in 2017, the suggested route covers 120 kilometers, runs from Becedas to Ávila and passes through Martiherrero. The distance refers to the entire route from Becedas to Ávila; it is not a distance for Martiherrero alone. The route thus places the town within a longer journey, while its description as a gateway to the northern side of the Sierra de Ávila provides a landscape context. If you plan to follow the suggested route, check its current course beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Arévalo, Navaluenga, Mingorría, Cuevas Del Valle, Vita, Peguerinos, Casas del Abad, Avellaneda

For the broader travel overview: Avila.