San Martín Del Pimpollar: Hiking and Architectural Heritage

San Martín Del Pimpollar is one of the municipalities in the Sierra de Gredos Regional Park. For your travel plans, the town brings together two distinct interests: the Sendero de Las Chorreras hiking trail and an architectural history that ranges from the Iglesia de San Martín Obispo to traditional houses. This lets you explore hiking and architectural history as separate focal points.

The Sierra de Gredos landscape

The Sierra de Gredos was shaped by erosion during past ice ages. Its landforms include lagoons, cirques, gorges, ridges, cliffs, galayos and moraines. These features describe the wider landscape of the Sierra, while the town’s history is reflected in specific buildings. The natural landscape and architecture thus offer different perspectives on the destination.

The Iglesia de San Martín Obispo

The Iglesia de San Martín Obispo was built at the end of the 15th or beginning of the 16th century. Its layout comprises an apse, a transept and a nave with three aisles; the apse and transept are covered by Baroque vaults and domes. The date places the church in its historical context, while its components describe its architectural layout. “Three-aisled” refers to the nave, while the vaults and domes belong to the apse and transept. If you are interested in religious architecture, you can consider both its historical period and its specific layout.

Portalillos on traditional houses

Covered portalillos at the entrances to traditional houses are part of the architectural style of San Martín del Pimpollar and Navalsauz; side walls form these entrance areas. The portalillo is therefore a feature of the house entrance. Unlike the church, this is not about the layout of a religious building, but about the design of access to a traditional house. The two examples have different scales: the church’s various architectural components are the focus, while the portalillos are covered entrance areas.

Chozo and potro de herrar

A restored chozo, once used by shepherds, stands next to the potro de herrar. The chozo has been restored; its use by shepherds belongs to the past. Its physical condition and history of use are two distinct aspects of its context. Its location beside the potro de herrar adds a specific spatial connection to its cultural significance. Together, the chozo and potro de herrar form another theme in the town’s history of traditions, alongside the church and portalillos.

Hiking the Sendero de Las Chorreras

The Sendero de Las Chorreras de San Martín del Pimpollar starts in San Martín del Pimpollar. The Sendero de Las Chorreras crosses the Río Bohorno, also known as the Arroyo de las Canales, at the Puente de la Cacera. The starting point in town and the crossing at the bridge are two different landmarks: the first marks the beginning, while the second is a specific point along the trail. Trail conditions may vary seasonally; check the current conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: El Barco De Ávila, Navamorisca, Herreros De Suso, Narrillos de San Leonardo, El Oso, Muñico, Gilbuena, El Barrio.

For the broader travel guide: Avila.