What to see in Arenas de San Pedro (Ávila), from the castle to the Mosquera Palace

Located in the Tiétar Valley, Sands of San Pedro It is one of the towns with the greatest historical heritage in the south of the Avila province.

It is also one of the main access routes to the Sierra de Gredos, so it is a place that combines cultural attractions with natural ones.

Being located on the southern slope of the aforementioned mountain range, it is also one of the places with the warmest climate in the province.

Where is Arenas de San Pedro

So Sands of San Pedro can be included in a route through the south of Ávila, also visiting towns like Candeleda o Stewing or entering the deepest part of the mountains.

At the limit of its municipal area is the top of La Mira, one of the highest mountains in the Central Sistem and destination for classic mountaineering routes.

Although the northern slope of Looks at her It descends gently, the south face is very steep and provides very wild and attractive enclaves for an excursion.

Eagle Caves

In the surroundings of Arenas de San Pedro the famous ones are found Eagle CavesWith its stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.

As these caves were discovered recently, they have been perfectly preserved and have not suffered the vandalism of other similar places known for centuries.

From a heritage point of view, Sands of San Pedro preserves some of the historical monuments most important in the region and some good examples of traditional architecture area.

But having grown quite a bit in recent years, the first impression you have when you arrive is certainly not that of a bucolic mountain village.

This is the experience of visiting Arenas de San Pedro, the best thing to see

Although the area has been inhabited for many centuries, the history of the Sands of San Pedro that we know today begins around the year 1400, a time from which some monumental constructions remain today.

Castle of Arenas de San Pedro

One of them is the castle, which is known as well as of the Constable Dávalos and the sad countess.

He ordered the castle to be built constable Ruy López Dávalos in the year 1400 as proof of their dominance over the region.

One of the first things that catches your attention is that it is located a few meters from the Arenal river, that is, in the lowest part of the population, when we are used to seeing fortresses rising on prominent places.

One reason may be that this castle never had a military function but one of simple ostentation, since it was built at a time when the border with Muslim territories was much further south.

After different vicissitudes, the castle became the dowry of Juana de Pimentel, who married Don Alvaro de Luna.

This was one of the most important nobles of Castile in his time.

When he died, his widow Juana He retired to this enclosure and for this reason he is also known as the Castle of the Sad Countess.

The enclosure, with a square floor plan and Gothic style, stands out for its circular towers in its corners and, above all, for its imposing tower of tribute.

In the 60s it was considered to convert it into tourist hostel, but this option was rejected, and now there are cultural activities.

Aquelcabos Bridge, a remnant of the medieval era

A short distance away, on the Arenal river, we will see the Aquelcabos Bridge.

It is sometimes called a “Roman bridge,” although it was built in medieval times. In any case it must be the oldest construction in Arenas de San Pedro.

This stream runs through the town and creates one of its most attractive images, that of a stream of crystal clear waters flanked by abundant vegetation.

It's like an oasis in the middle of the small town it has become. Sands of San Pedro.

There is a path with walkways that borders a section of the stream and it becomes a very pleasant walk.

Downstream, on the left bank, there is a viewpoint to see the bridge and nearby spaces.

Mosquera Palace, the main monument of Arenas de San Pedro

In addition to the castle, the main monument of Arenas de San Pedro is the Mosquera Palace.

It is surprising to find a palace of such dimensions in a town that, 240 years ago, must have had very few inhabitants.

The surprise is greater when we know that, in reality, what we see is little more than half of the projected palace.

The existence of this monumental building is due to the presence in Sands of San Pedro of the Infante Don Luis Antonio de Borbón y Farnesio.

Son of Philip V and brother of Carlos III, Louis of Bourbon He was expelled from the Madrid court for the sin of marrying a woman who did not belong to the nobility.

The infante first settled in Boadilla del Monte, and later in Arenas de San Pedro, where a small court was formed around him.

Ventura Rodríguez designed the plans for the palace and Francisco de Goya He spent long periods portraying the family of Don Luis.

Luigi Boccherini He lived for several years in Arenas as a musician for the Infante and here he composed many of his main works.

El Mosquera Palace, neoclassical, it is simple in appearance but very elegant.

A prominent part of the project were the gardens that, as in those of the La Granja Palace, end up joining harmoniously with the natural vegetation of the surroundings.

In the palace, some life-size copies of the paintings made by Goya and which are currently in Italy.

Our Lady of the Assumption Church

At the historic center of Arenas stands out above all the church of Our Lady of the Assumption.

Ordered to be built by constable Dávalos, originally it was Gothic style, although the numerous reforms have modified it quite a bit.

In the church, the tower stands out, which you can climb to enjoy good views of the town and the surrounding area,

Next to the church, in the Regalada Square is the Arenas de San Pedro Town Hall.

There we can also see a panel made with painted tiles where different moments of the story about Arenas de San Pedro.

Walking through this area we can see some interesting examples of traditional architecture.

Cruz del Mentidero and Jurisdictional Roll

Other details that tell us the history of the population are the Mentidero Cross, along with which verbal contracts were established in livestock trafficking.

A little hidden at the end of an alley and on some rocks, is the Jurisdictional Roll.

It dates back to the end of the 14th century and has the importance of representing that already at that time the town had jurisdictional capacity and the mayor could impose penalties of all kinds, even death.

Hermitage of the Cristo de los Regalajes

A little away from the other historical places we see the Hermitage of Cristo de los Regajales, Gothic style.

Its location is the exit or entrance to Arenas along the road Talavera de la Reina, and it was the place where travelers could pray to ensure a good trip or to be grateful for the one they had just completed.

Sanctuary of San Pedro de Alcántara

You don't have to leave Sands of San Pedro without reaching the Sanctuary of San Pedro de Alcántara.

It is a couple of kilometers away and you can go by car or walking along a pleasant walk under the trees next to the riverbed. Avellaneda River.

This sanctuary was the last one founded by this Extremaduran saint and the current complex was the work of Ventura Rodríguez.

La Royal chapel, under the large dome, is the most attractive corner.

Its surroundings are very pleasant and a good place to rest or take a good walk.

Map: how to get to Arenas de San Pedro

Sands of San Pedro is located at the foot of the southern slope of the Sierra de Gredos, and almost two hours from Madrid.