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Discovering the charming zone of La Serena

The richness of this natural area lies in its historical legacy and its delicious gastronomy. Livestock farming is the main activity in this charming land which shows their best to become a magic memory.

Paisaje de la Serena desde Magacela
La Serena from Magacela

La "Serena" is so called due to the arab word 'serna' whose meaning is plain and extent, these characteristic define this area. The contrast between large granite, quartzite or slate plains and pastures where livestock graze provide a unique view. The holm oaks born in the low hills, and during Spring and Autumm they will turn into multiple colours. This scenery is known after Serena Esteparia, a wide variety of birds live here and we have the chance to watch them, mainly in Autumm.

Villanueva de la Serena is one of the natural doors to the the area through Ex-104 road. This is one of the most industrial developed cities in the area and in Extremadura. This circumstance coexists with its past History where the great amount of churches such as the Capilla del Santo Sepulcro, Holy Sepulchre Chapel; convents and stately homes like Casa de los Bolos o La jabonera. The visitor may contemplate the facades and these buildings while is going for a walk.

Following the road Ex-104 we get at Campanario. This town is famous due to Virgen de Piedraescrita Pilgrimage. On Eastern Monday the inhabitants of Campanario celebrate this feast that has been declared as Celebration of Interest by the Regional Goverment of Extremadura. People become involved in the celebratiom addorning carriages with colourful elements and going out in them the day of the pilgrimage.

We head towards South to reach the archeological ensemble in Quintana and Zalamea de la Serena. Tartessian, pre-roman and Roman settlements have been found in both towns

Quintana de la Serena shows its pre-roman legacy with Hijo Viejo tower. Además Quintana cuenta con una gran riqueza geológica gracias al yacimiento de granito. In Quintana a granite deposit enrich geologically this town. The variety obtained from this deposite is unique, for that reason it has been named after Gris Quintana.

Zalamea de la Serena preserves its Tartessian legacy in Cancho Roano settlement. It is the best well-kept Tartessian ensemble in Spain.

Cancho Roano Tartessian settlement

Besides in Zalamea there is a Dystilo, a Roman column, 23 metres high. This is the one and only dystilo in Spain.

Moreover, this town is also known due to being the scene where Calderón de la Barca set the play El Alcalde de Zalamea, The Mayor of Zalamea. At the end of August the citizens perform the play on the streets as an open theater.

Heading towards East we have to make a stopover in Castuera. This town produces delicious products such as the well-knonw cheese. Besides, nougat candy made here is famous all over Spain. Castuera is one of those small towns where time has stopped to make the traveller takes his time and enjoy with its delicatessens

Following Ex-104 road we reach Cabeza del Buey. On the road we may find Benquerencia de la Serena, La Nava or Helechal, these towns are full of narrow streets that invite to go for a walk through them, moreover their inhabitants welcome everyone who goes there.

Cabeza del buey. is a small town whose main activity are livestock farming and olive trees. Together with Monterrubio and Benquerencia they belong to D.O Aceite de Monterrubio, a special variety of olive oil. In the past it was under the rule of the Great Order of Alcantara, and it belonged to the villages net of Royal Pasture of La Serena. As a proof of this historical past stands out the great amount of religious buildings, The convent of Franciscan Religious, or civil constructions like Almorchon Castle.

Close to Cabeza del Buey we may find Peñalsordo, a small town well-knonw due to the Celebration of Interest Octava del Corpus. Here we may gain access to the great reservoirs in La Serena. Astonishing engineering works that intermingle with the extraordinary landscapes.

It is getting late and nigth has come, the sky provides a beautiful view that worths to be contemplated from this area. For that reason there are rural houses and hotels to enjoy the cordiality of all these towns and places.