Discover Navatrasierra: Fossils, Nature and History
Accommodation in Navatrasierra
Navatrasierra offers a range of reasons to visit: fossils and geological formations sit alongside a historic inn, sensitive wetlands and events held on set dates. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Navatrasierra, these themes can help you choose when to travel. The key question is whether you want to focus on the Fossil Interpretation Centre, the rocky landscape, the history of the Hospital del Obispo or one of the celebrations.
Fossils and the history of the Earth
The Navatrasierra Fossil Interpretation Centre (Centro de InterpretaciĂłn del FĂłsil de Navatrasierra) displays fossils from the Ordovician and Silurian periods. Information panels cover marine life from 450 million years ago. The fossil groups discussed include trilobites, molluscs, brachiopods and graptolites; trace fossils such as Skolithos, Crucianas and Daedalus are also covered. The centre thus combines displayed specimens with information about fossil traces of life. If this visit is an important part of your plans, check practical opening details before your trip.
Geological sites and viewpoints
The Canchos del Ataque can be seen from a roadside viewpoint at kilometre 36.5 of the CC-20 road from Guadalupe to Navatrasierra. There is no direct access to the rock formations. At Risco Carbonero, however, a forestry track branches off to the right at kilometre 34.5 and runs past the foot of Cerro Fortificado to the summit. Road conditions may vary; check them before you set off. The two sites therefore offer different ways of viewing the landscape: the Canchos can be seen from the roadside viewpoint, while the described route at Risco Carbonero leads to the summit.
From Risco Carbonero, the view extends west towards the Ibor-Guadalupe anticline and east towards the Guadarranque syncline. The viewpoint also illustrates the characteristic Appalachian relief of the region. These two directions of view and the geological interpretation give the visit a different focus from the Canchos del Ataque, where the rock formations themselves are not directly accessible.
Vegetation and sensitive wetlands
Navatrasierra is characterised by Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The endangered tree known as loro or lorera grows along the mountain streams. A special protection rule applies to the peat bogs at Hospital del Obispo: throughout the Hospital ravine valley, they form a sensitive wetland ecosystem covering no more than 6,000 m². Visitors may not enter these areas because of the risk of sinking and their ecological vulnerability.
Hospital del Obispo and local history
Hospital del Obispo served as a historic inn and resting place for pilgrims on their way to Guadalupe. It was at its most important in the 15th and 16th centuries. Part of the building has been restored; a small chapel in the east wing remains, and the original buttresses are visible on the façade. The site’s history and architecture can be traced through specific architectural features without losing sight of its former purpose.
The name Cancho del Ataque also points to the area’s history: it dates back to an 1808 battle during the War of Independence against French troops. At the entrance to the Hospital valley, the stream that rises there plunges down to form waterfalls. Historical memory and the formation of waterfalls thus come together at this site.
Celebrations in December and August
The patron saint’s celebration in honour of Saint Thomas usually takes place on 21 and 22 December. It includes a mass, a procession carrying the saint and an auction of the carrying poles. Festivities with open-air dances, games and children’s attractions are held on the first full weekend in August. If your trip depends on one of these dates, check the current programme in advance.
When planning your trip, you can choose from a variety of focuses: fossils and geological views, the history of Hospital del Obispo, protected nature or one of the celebrations. Visiting conditions vary; when making your choice, pay particular attention to the lack of direct access to the Canchos del Ataque and the prohibition on entering the peat bogs.
Discover more destinations: Torre De Santa MarĂa, Trujillo, Hoyos, BelvĂs De Monroy, Herrera De Alcántara, Sierra De Fuentes, Acebo, AlcuĂ©scar
For the broader travel overview: Cáceres.
