Discover Solosancho: Ulaca and its heritage

The Castro de Ulaca shapes the character of Solosancho, along with its historic buildings, protected landscapes and events with varied themes. Visitors planning a stay can explore the archaeological site, take a walk through a holm oak grove and discover the architecture in the town as different points of interest.

Ulaca: a fortified settlement and its buildings

The Castro de Ulaca was a fortified settlement, or oppidum, with around 1,500 inhabitants and an area of about 70 hectares. The site was abandoned around the middle of the 1st century BC. Today, Ulaca and its surroundings are protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the category of an archaeological zone.

The oval defensive wall is more than three kilometres long. Along its course, nine entrances or breaks can be identified; two of them have been restored. The site’s scale and surviving sections give it a clear spatial structure.

The sanctuary comprises two buildings. One is a rectangular chamber measuring 16 × 8 metres, partly hewn into the rock. The other is the so-called sacrificial altar: a large granite boulder with a double staircase carved into it. The steps lead to a platform with two interconnected depressions.

Ulaca’s sauna, partly hewn into the rock, is also traditionally known as La Fragua. It covers about 15 square metres and has three small rooms: a western antechamber or resting area, a chamber with two opposing benches carved into the granite for the steam bath, and a furnace for the fire. Its interpretation as a sauna is based on its similarity to the pedras formosas found at other Iron Age settlements in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.

Getting there and visiting conditions

To reach the Castro de Ulaca from Ávila, take the N-502 to Solosancho, then continue to Villaviciosa. From Villaviciosa to the summit of the hill where the Castro is located, much of the route must be completed on foot. This is a useful distinction when planning: the drive and the walk to the summit are two parts of the visit.

To visit La Cabeza de Navasangil, you must request permission from Solosancho Town Council. The keys to the fenced site are also issued there. The area is signposted for self-guided visits. Check with the Town Council about permission before you arrive.

Church, Verraco and Villaviciosa Castle

The Iglesia de Santo Tomás Apóstol in Solosancho dates from the 17th century and is built of granite. It has a single-nave floor plan and a two-storey bell tower made of ashlar stone. Its architectural features also include a south-facing portico and a Baroque high altar.

Beside the church is an exceptionally large stone verraco, more than two metres long. The Castillo de Villaviciosa is another notable building: constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries, it is privately owned, fully restored and now houses a hotel.

Landscape, hiking trail and wildlife

The municipality lies within the Paisaje Protegido de las Sierras de la Paramera y La Serrota. It also includes Natura 2000 sites in the Sierras de La Paramera y La Serrota and the Natura 2000 site along the banks of the Adaja. These protected areas form a scenic backdrop for a stay, alongside the historic attractions.

A hiking trail through a holm oak grove connects Solosancho with Riatas. In the municipality, visitors can spot red kites, kestrels and buzzards, as well as mammals such as wild boar, rabbits, foxes and weasels. Nature enthusiasts will find different points of interest here from those at the archaeological site or the church.

Events in Solosancho

The Luna Celta festival is held annually and reached its 20th edition in 2026. An extensive programme for all age groups was announced for 21–23 August 2026. A recurring part of the programme is a night-time climb to a Castro, followed by a theatrical performance.

Solotapas also combines an event with local cuisine: during this food competition, the audience tastes and rates specially prepared tapas. In 2026, Solotapas reached its third edition; the first was held in 2024.

Celtibike is a non-competitive mountain bike ride organised by Solosancho Town Council and open to everyone. For the 2026 edition, the date was given as 27 September, with Calle Nueva as the start and finish point and an expected duration of less than four hours. The event formats in Solosancho are varied: Luna Celta combines a festival programme with a night-time climb, Solotapas combines a competition with tasting, and Celtibike brings people together for a bike ride.

Discover more destinations: Robledillo, Villaviciosa, Gallegos, Muñana, Horcajo de las Torres, Navalguijo, Nava Del Barco, Padiernos.

For the main travel overview: Avila.