Peraleda del Zaucejo: Hiking and Local History

For your stay in Peraleda del Zaucejo, there are two linear routes with different distances and profiles, along with nature and history to explore. The RUTA DE LOS PILONES leads to water pools, while the RUTA LA BARROSA is also suitable for cycling. Cork oak woodland, a historic bridge and the Pozo de la Comercianta add insights into the landscape and local history along the routes.

Hiking routes by distance and activity

The RUTA DE LOS PILONES is a 4-kilometre linear route with a low difficulty level. It starts at the Oficina de Turismo on Paseo de La Serena and initially follows the BA-107 towards Córdoba. It then continues along an easy-to-walk country track and onto a path. The walk to the water pools takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can use this time estimate to plan your walk to the pools.

The RUTA LA BARROSA is 9 kilometres long, also linear and has a low difficulty level. It is suitable for hiking and cycling, and autumn and spring are the recommended seasons. Compared with the RUTA DE LOS PILONES, it is longer and specifies a second activity in addition to hiking, as well as recommended seasons. An extension follows a path along the River Zújar to the old Molino de Melchor grain mill.

Cork oak landscape and recommended visiting times

Umbría de la Traviesa lies in the western part of the municipality of Peraleda del Zaucejo. Spring and autumn are recommended times to visit. The area is characterised by cork oak woodland (Quercus suber), part of the evergreen broadleaf forests found on acidic soils. Spring and autumn are also recommended for the RUTA LA BARROSA; cycling is an additional explicitly mentioned activity on this route.

Buildings and local history

The Puente de los Enamorados is a historic structure that once spanned a stream flowing from the Sierra. The bridge was dedicated to schoolchildren and couples who spent their free time there at weekends. It thus connects a former relationship with the landscape to local memories of leisure spent together.

When drinking water was scarce, the Pozo de la Comercianta was used to water animals and wash clothes. The well was also a place where neighbours met. While the bridge’s history is associated with a stream and shared leisure time, the Pozo reflects the practical importance of a water source in everyday life.

The parish church in Peraleda del Zaucejo has a restrained façade with a bell gable topped by a broken pediment. Different building volumes and numerous pinnacles shape the ensemble. Inside, the floor plan is in the form of a Greek cross, with a ribbed domed vault above the centre. The chancel is also vaulted.

The town’s original parish church was a 16th-century building. After it was destroyed in the Civil War of 1936, it was replaced by a new building. San Benito Abad is the town’s patron saint, whose feast day is 11 July.

Discover more destinations: San Vicente De Alcántara, Higuera De La Serena, Trujillanos, Valencia del Mombuey, Fregenal De La Sierra, Hornachos, Guadiana del Caudillo, La Bazana

Return to the main travel overview: Badajoz.