Cardeñosa: Archaeology, Granite and Church Art

Cardeñosa’s archaeological history, church art and traditional granite working are distinct themes. The Castro de Las Cogotas connects the site’s settlement phases with the landscape along the Adaja; the church, granite houses and crosses add to the picture of the town’s history.

The Castro de Las Cogotas and its history

The Castro de Las Cogotas lies beside the Adaja River, near the dam of the reservoir of the same name. Granite boulders, dense holm oak stands and pastureland form part of its surroundings. The site’s archaeological history includes the Cogotas I settlement phase in the Late Bronze Age and the later Vettones settlement phase, Cogotas II. The two names thus distinguish two successive phases.

A double line of fortifications and a field of upright stones protected the Castro; the stone field was intended to hinder access by cavalry. The interactive Aula Arqueológica Castro de Las Cogotas provides information about the archaeological site’s history, culture, settlement, economy and urban planning. Alongside its structural features, the focus is also on the aspects of life presented at the Aula.

Routes to the settlements and archaeological sites

The Ruta de los Poblados Medievales is a circular route from the Aula Arqueológica to the medieval settlements of Cardeñosa. It can be completed on foot or by bicycle. The Aula also has three signposted routes to the Arco de Conejeros: two can be used on foot or by bicycle, while another can also be travelled by car.

Two signposted routes lead from the Aula to the Castro de Las Cogotas. One can be used on foot or by bicycle, while the other can also be travelled by car. When choosing a route, you can therefore take both the destination and the modes of transport described for each into account. Check the route conditions locally before planning your trip.

If you need a guided tour for your group, contact the town council in advance to find out whether a visit can be arranged.

Church art and granite architecture

The Iglesia de la Invención de la Santa Cruz dates from the 15th century. Its polygonal apse has substantial ashlar buttresses. A polygonal apse forms a many-sided end to the chancel; buttresses are solid supports built against the walls. The church’s central nave has a Mudéjar coffered ceiling. The church also houses the “Virgen del Pajarito” sculptural group, created by Vasco de la Zarza.

The sacristy houses a small museum with paintings, triptychs, chalices, patens and liturgical vestments. The collection thus includes not only the architecture and a named sculptural group, but also a range of religious artworks and objects.

The traditional houses of the mountain region also shape Cardeñosa’s architectural character: many have rear courtyards and elongated façades. Granite details can be found in the masonry, door lintels and doorposts. This is complemented by a granite stoneworking tradition passed down through generations and linked to the surrounding quarries.

Other places and stories

The Ermita del Berrocal, also called Nuestra Señora del Tránsito or del Cristo, lies on a rise southeast of Cardeñosa. Its altarpiece dates from the 16th century. The Arco de Conejeros is the transverse arch of the church of a settlement mentioned in 1250. The archaeological remains of Conejeros also include a necropolis with eight visible burials built from stone slabs.

A cultural heritage mural in Cardeñosa depicts the Tres Cruces, the Arco de Conejeros, the Cruz del Bujero, the Cruz del Campanario and the Cruz de la Iglesia. A printed brochure about the Urban Crosses, with their locations, photos and brief descriptions, is available; ask for it at the town hall. The local legend of Santa Paula Barbada is also part of the town’s cultural identity: it places her birth in Cardeñosa in the early, dark centuries of the Middle Ages.

This provides a clear thematic distinction to guide your travel planning: the Castro and Conejeros focus on the archaeological site and settlement history, while the church, hermitage, houses and crosses explore other aspects of architectural and art history. Routes, artworks and granite details each offer a different perspective on a stay in Cardeñosa.

Discover more destinations: Cuevas Del Valle, El Hornillo, El Barraco, Navamorisca, Pajares De Adaja, Tolbaños, Mombeltrán, Navacepedilla De Corneja.

For the broader travel overview: Avila.