Romangordo: Mudejar Art and Hiking Routes

Romangordo brings together cultural and historical attractions with routes that vary in length, difficulty and scenery. The parish church of Santa Catalina, the Puente de Albalat, the Ruta de los Trampantojos and the San Blas Festival offer different insights into the town. The municipality of Romangordo is also one of the 14 municipalities in the Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve. When planning your trip, you can therefore decide whether to focus on architectural and local history or on a particular route.

Church, bridge and local history

The parish church of Santa Catalina is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category. Its exceptional Mudejar coffered ceiling covers the entire nave and chancel. Dating from the late 15th or early 16th century, it is divided into five fully preserved sections. Both the ceiling’s expanse across the church interior and its structure contribute to its architectural impression. The church’s protected status was established on 11 March 2020.

Another historical attraction is the Puente de Albalat over the Tagus. It was probably completed in 1552. During the Spanish War of Independence, the bridge was particularly important strategically because it stood on the main road connecting Extremadura and Portugal with Madrid. The church and bridge therefore offer different historical perspectives: the coffered ceiling reflects late medieval and early modern architecture, while the bridge’s history also encompasses its importance as part of a major transport link.

The Ruta de los Trampantojos reveals another aspect of the town’s history. On the doors and façades of houses, it features scenes from local life as well as Romangordo’s history, customs and culture. Here, the focus is on images in the townscape rather than a single building. Those interested in local traditions can also find a specific date in the San Blas Festival: it is considered Romangordo’s most important festival and is celebrated every year on 3 February. If you are travelling specifically for the festival, check the programme in advance.

Routes with different profiles

The Ruta Albalat leads to the ruins of the Muslim medina of Albalat on the banks of the Tagus. The settlement dates from the 9th to the 12th century. The Ruta Albalat is 13.16 km long, rated moderate and follows an out-and-back route; it is suitable for hiking, horse riding and cycling. Its signage is currently being renewed.

A shorter circular route is the Ruta de las Callejas: it is 2.14 km long, rated easy and runs around the village. It is also suitable for hiking, horse riding and cycling; its signage is currently being renewed. By comparison, the Callejas route is the shorter, easy village loop, while the longer, moderately difficult Ruta Albalat leads to an archaeological site by the Tagus. The information on distance, difficulty and route type provides a practical basis for choosing between the two.

For a cycling trip, consider the Ruta Campana de Albalat. This 35.5 km circular route starts and ends in Romangordo, passes through Casas de Miravete and Higuera de Albalat, and is suitable for cycling. Its signage is currently being renewed. The Ruta Bodegas-Mezquita passes through landscapes of holm and cork oaks, then through olive-growing areas, past orchids visible in spring and an old lime kiln. Its signage is also being renewed. The Ruta del Cotorro climbs through a shady cork oak forest to the Cotorro at an elevation of 720 m; its signage is also being renewed.

Travel planning information

Romangordo’s tourist information office is located in the Casa de los Aromas. Opening hours may change, so check them before your visit. When planning your routes, it is worth taking the ongoing signage renewal into account. This way, you can consider the local history, festival date and the various route profiles as different focuses for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Las Casiñas Altas, Jaraicejo, Arroyomolinos, Navatrasierra, Cedillo, Herreruela, Aldeanueva Dela Vera, Ladrillar.

For the broader travel overview: Cáceres.