San Martín Del Castañar: Culture and History

San Martín Del Castañar brings together architectural history and historic routes. Royal Decree 3233/1982 of 12 November 1982 declared the town a historic-artistic site. Traditional building methods also reflect local conditions: because building space was limited, buildings were constructed upwards. Deeply overhanging roofs narrow the streets and protect the house walls from heavy rainfall.

Church, Squares and Townscape

The Church of San Martín de Tours was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and was protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1981. Its distinctive features include a Baroque altarpiece, a Mudéjar coffered ceiling, Ionic columns and a portico. These elements give the building a range of architectural accents; its long construction period and protected status are as much a part of its history as its features.

The Portalón is associated with the town’s public life: historically, it allowed the council to conveniently watch events and festivities held in the square. The square is bounded by the old schools, an inn, a tavern, the former bishop’s palace and private houses. Another historic feature is the Plaza de Toros, considered the second-oldest bullring in Spain. The Plaza de Toros de El Castañar in Béjar (Salamanca) is cited for comparison.

Castle and Viewpoint

The Castle of San Martín Del Castañar dates from the 15th century. It was restored and converted into the Interpretation Centre for the Sierras de Béjar and Francia Biosphere Reserve. The castle tower houses a viewpoint overlooking both mountain ranges and the town centre. The castle, viewpoint and centre thus bring together architectural history and expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

Roman Road and Circular Route

The Roman Bridge is connected to the Roman road leading to the Municipal Park. The Roman road continues to the Ermita del Socorro and the Ermita del Humilladero. The latter lies beside the road and has six late Gothic pillars with octagonal cross-sections. Stone crosses line the route; they were once used for the Stations of the Cross. This path offers a chance to take in both buildings and traces of its former religious use.

The Asentadero–Bosque de los Espejos circular route is a destination in its own right. It is 9.2 kilometres long, runs through the municipalities of San Martín Del Castañar, Sequeros and Las Casas del Conde, and lies within Las Batuecas–Sierra de Francia Natural Park. The route is associated with the artworks La Torre de Intercambio, Casa de Árbol y una Aguja, Mochuelos and Puertas Abiertas en el campo. Check the route conditions before setting out.

Wine and Regional Themes

Bodega Medieval offers an immersive tour exploring the history, tradition and artisanal production of wine. The setting is a 16th-century stone cellar. The experience includes a tasting of wines made from the Rufete grape, a variety native and exclusive to this area. Check current availability before booking; tasting details may change.

Pasadizo de los Porqués presents the region’s geological, floral and faunal features, as well as local crafts, traditions and legends. Together with the winery experience, it offers a different way to discover the area than its buildings and routes: here, the focus is on knowledge of nature and inherited ways of life.

Discover more destinations: Las Uces, Carrasco, La Bastida, Larrodrigo, Miranda Del Castañar, Fuenteguinaldo, Pereña De La Ribera, Calvarrasa De Abajo.

Back to the main travel overview: Salamanca.