For a more
subtle and authentic glimpse into the heart of Spain, there is no better place
to begin with than La Alberca, a town that still holds traditions and
customs that date back to the 14th Century, located in the province of
Salamanca, at 1084 meters above sea level and nestled on the slopes of an
outstanding natural landscape of La Sierra de Francia where the isolation and the
conflux of granite, slate and quartzite
create a breeding ground for a variety of wild vegetation and beckoning
forests.
This
charming town was founded in the 1300s and was the first village to be declared
a National Historical Monument by the Spanish government, followed by others on
the same area like Mogarraz, San Martin del Castañar, Miranda del Castañar,
Madroñal, Cepeda, Herguijuela de la Sierra, Sequeros and more.
The
Parish Church of Our Lady of the Assumption dates from the 18th century.
Very well
preserved, the new buildings are made in the same manner and style as the old
ones, with its fabulous medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone roads and
thatched roofs.
The houses
are made of stone and granite quarried from the surrounding environs and
supported with wooden beams.
|
The Plaza Major |
In La
Alberca there is a tradition of having a pig loose in the streets that is fed
by the neighbours. The pig, named “San Anton”, is blessed on July 13, and
released onto the town’s streets. On January17, the feast day of San antonio
(Saint Anthony), the pig is raffled off at the doors of the church. The funds
are raised for the Brothers of St. Anthony.