At the highest point of La Garrovilla stands the Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción, the town’s most important architectural monument. Its Plateresque portal is considered one of the most monumental examples of Plateresque architecture in Extremadura. A church dedicated to Nuestra Señora, associated with the Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción, already existed in La Garrovilla in 1498.

Chapels and local structures

The Ermita de San Isidro Labrador was built by residents of La Garrovilla and inaugurated on 15 May 1957. Its square nave has round-arched arcades; inside are depictions of San Isidro Labrador and San José. The chapel is on the Mancha de las Vacas estate near the Lácara River, about five kilometres from La Garrovilla. Its design and the two religious depictions give it a distinct character alongside the church in town.

Another type of structure is the livestock watering trough Pilar de la Sal. It lies beside the Arroyo Salado stream and is also locally known as Pilar romano. Thus, in La Garrovilla and its immediate surroundings, a church and a watercourse-side fountain stand side by side as different historical landmarks.

Cycling route and landscape

The Embalse de los Canchales is six kilometres from La Garrovilla. The 600-hectare area is designated a Special Protection Area for Birds and stores water from the Lácara River. Its protected status and water-storage function give this excursion destination two distinct aspects beyond its location by the water.

The Vuelta a los Canchales is a 43-kilometre circular cycling route that starts and ends in La Garrovilla. It has little elevation gain and a low to moderate difficulty level. It is considered suitable for people with some cycling experience; stops for birdwatching are possible along the way. Check local conditions before setting out. The Vuelta is therefore the cycling option with a set circular route, while the Ruta de las Grullas leads to the reservoir.

The Ruta de las Grullas takes place on the first Sunday in December and runs from La Garrovilla to the Embalse de los Canchales. Along the way, visitors can spot various bird species, especially cranes. At the end of the route, Migas Extremeñas are served. As the precise arrangements may vary each year, it is advisable to check the date and schedule for your chosen year in advance.

Traditions and seasonal cuisine

The Romería de San Isidro takes place on the Saturday closest to 15 May. A procession on a festival float travels from the parish church to the chapel; an Extremaduran Mass is celebrated at 12 noon. The festivities in honour of the Virgen de la Caridad are also part of the local calendar and are considered La Garrovilla’s oldest and most characteristic tradition. The annual programme may vary, so check the specific dates and arrangements before your trip.

In the days before Holy Week, households in La Garrovilla traditionally prepare homemade sweets such as Perrunillas, Torrijas and Roscas fritas. The exact customs may vary from year to year. Together with the Migas Extremeñas served at the end of the crane route, these foods offer a distinctive way to experience the town’s seasonal traditions.

Discover more destinations: Villafranca De Los Barros, Alburquerque, Calera De León, Villar Del Rey, Puebla De Sancho Pérez, Villalba De Los Barros, Pallares, Higuera De Llerena.

To the main travel guide: Badajoz.