Discover Botija

Botija can be explored as a travel destination through specific themes: the Botija Histórica circular hiking route, archaeological remains, historic buildings, and the surrounding Penillanura.

Plan your hike and journey

The Botija Histórica route is a 13.8-kilometre circular hike with a low difficulty level and a stated duration of three hours. The distance, duration, and difficulty rating provide concrete points of reference for planning this tour.

Two road connections lead from Cáceres to Botija. The first follows the A-58, taking the CC-27.1 from exit 21 and then the CC-127 via Plasenzuela; it is about 40 kilometres long. Another option follows the EX-206 and CC-93 through Torremocha. As road conditions can change, check the route before setting off.

Archaeological sites and buildings

Villasviejas del Tamuja is located within the municipality of Botija (Cáceres) and is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Zona Arqueológica category. The Castro Villasviejas del Tamuja covers more than six hectares. A stone wall with round and square towers surrounds the site.

The cremation burial necropolis of El Mercadillo is also located within the municipality of Botija and is associated with the archaeological site of Villasviejas del Tamuja. It dates to the 4th century BC and is considered the oldest necropolis in the complex.

The Iglesia de Santa Maria Magdalena is at the edge of town on the road towards Montánchez. The nave and tower form a single, compact structure. A hemispherical dome sits above the main chapel; the church has murals dating from 1936. The Cruz del Humilladero consists of a platform of three square steps, a smooth cylindrical granite column, and a Latin cross. The work dates from the 17th century.

Torre y Escaleras comprises the remains of a monumental granite bastion with a compacted core of slate and earth. A stone staircase is located next to it. The Potro de Herrar offers a glimpse of a different aspect: large animals such as horses, donkeys, and cattle were restrained in this structure for shoeing.

Buhíos are rustic, chozo-style buildings. Some have a stone roof and a chimney to carry away smoke. In the past, people occasionally used them as dwellings. Their construction and former use distinguish these buildings from the archaeological sites and ecclesiastical structures.

Landscape and former uses

The Mirador del Guijorro is located at an elevation of up to 490 metres and overlooks large parts of the surrounding Penillanura, with changing panoramas. This landscape perspective complements the archaeological and architectural themes with a different view of Botija.

The Molino de la Muralla is a large masonry wall that stored water for the adjoining grain mill. The structure is thought to date from the 18th century; a dam or weir system was used to grind wheat. The Cruz del Humilladero and the Molino de la Muralla therefore offer different ways to focus on architectural form and former function.

San Sebastián is celebrated on 20 January; the feast of Santa María Magdalena falls on 21 and 22 July. If you would like to plan your trip around these celebrations, check in advance whether they are taking place in the year you travel.

Discover more destinations: Sierra De Fuentes, Valdefuentes, Montánchez, La Cumbre, Hoyos, Santibáñez El Alto, Miajadas, Robledillo De Gata

For the overview of the wider area: Cáceres.