Lastras del Pozo: Watchtower, Church and Local Festivals

Lastras del Pozo offers several specific points of interest for a trip: historic buildings, landscape and recurring local festivals. The watchtower and parish church represent different architectural styles, while the festivals mark their own points in the calendar year. When planning your trip, these themes can help you shape your stay around whether architectural history, the natural environment or community celebrations are of particular interest to you.

Historic Buildings: Watchtower and Parish Church

The Torre fortaleza de los Mercado-Peñalosa is a watchtower belonging to the former palace of the Mercado family. It was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Its rectangular floor plan, solitary structure and few windows define its architectural form. The few openings and the machicolations on the upper floor express the tower’s defensive character. In 1996, the Torre was protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category. Its construction in the 15th and 16th centuries and its protection in 1996 represent two distinct historical reference points.

The Iglesia parroquial San Juan Bautista offers a different architectural emphasis. It was built in the 18th century and combines styles ranging from the Renaissance to the Baroque. Compared with the watchtower, the focus here is on the range of styles and the sacred furnishings. The main altar is designed in the Rococo style and features imitations of jasper and other types of marble, as well as wood carvings. A Baroque organ complements the church: it dates from 1801 and was built by José Nájar from Murcia.

Landscape and Molino del Cegado

The landscape of Lastras del Pozo includes cultivated fields, scrubland and holm oak groves. There are also riverside areas along streams and the Río Moros. The area of San Pedro de las Dueñas has groves of holm oaks, pines, oaks and poplars. Streams cross the area and feed the Río Moros. The grounds of San Pedro de las Dueñas are also home to the Molino del Cegado, a grain mill built in the 18th century. Alongside the buildings, the area’s trees, waterways and historic mill offer different aspects of the place to explore.

Festivals with Different Calendar Dates

The Fiesta de La Matanza is celebrated over a weekend close to Carnival and lasts three days. Residents and visitors celebrate this popular tradition together. The exact dates may vary from year to year.

The Hogueras de Lastre take place on the eve of the San Juan festival. Shared activities include a chocolate celebration. The annual program may also vary.

Santo Cristo de Lumbreras is the municipality’s most important festival. It takes place on the second weekend of September and includes communal meals, children’s games and a procession. The exact program may also vary each year.

The three calendar dates make it easy to compare the festivals: close to Carnival, on the eve of San Juan and on the second weekend of September. If a festival is the reason for your trip, check the specific dates and the program for that year before making your plans.

Discover more destinations: Sauquillo de Cabezas, Pelayos del Arroyo, Chañe, Duruelo, Torre Val De San Pedro, Aldeasoña, Gallegos, Caballar.

For the wider travel overview: Segovia.