Granite boulders, storks and rock paintings give Los Barruecos a different character from the museums and historic buildings of Malpartida De Cáceres. If you are looking for accommodation for your stay, these different highlights can help you decide which discoveries interest you most: nature and archaeology, art or local history.
Art and architectural history
The Museo Narbón is dedicated to the artist Juan José Narbón (1929–2005) and is housed in a 19th-century farmhouse. Its collection is spread across twelve rooms and arranged chronologically. This allows you to explore the artist’s work in chronological order. The museum thus brings together a portrait of an artist and a historic building.
Another perspective on architectural history can be found at the Iglesia Parroquial Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. The church was built in the 16th century in the Gothic style and is protected as a site of historical and artistic significance. If you enjoy seeing art and architecture side by side when travelling, you will find two clearly distinct approaches here: the monographic collection in the farmhouse and the Gothic parish church.
The Museo Vostell Malpartida also has a historic connection to its building: it is housed in a former wool-washing facility dating from the late 18th century, which is protected as a site of historical significance. Together with the Museo Narbón, it shows how differently a museum’s subject matter can be connected to its building.
Granite, water and storks at Los Barruecos
Los Barruecos has been protected as a natural monument since 1996. Large granite boulders and bodies of water formed by four historic reservoirs define the landscape. A colony of white storks nests on the rocks. The combination of striking rock formations, water and birdlife makes the area interesting if you would like to combine nature-watching with taking in the landscape.
The visitor area includes a botanical garden with native species and the Centro de Interpretación del Agua, which is open to the public. It is housed in a restored mill whose machinery has been preserved. The Centro de Interpretación del Monumento Natural de Los Barruecos also features exhibitions on geology, flora, fauna and human settlement. Several different topics are therefore covered: natural habitats, the history of settlement and the use of water.
Trails and archaeological traces
The official Senda de la Cigüeña includes stops in Los Barruecos and a viewpoint overlooking the Cigüeña wetland. Check local trail conditions before setting off. A 1.5 km route in Los Barruecos takes in notable granite formations, anthropomorphic tombs and remains of a Late Antiquity settlement. There are also numerous stops featuring engravings and rock paintings from the Chalcolithic period. This route highlights both the geological formations and the archaeological evidence.
The second section of the Ruta Azul is 1.5 km long and designed to be accessible. It has a wheelchair-accessible path, information in Braille and models of the rock formations. Check local conditions before your visit. Information about this section can help you plan if accessibility is an important consideration.
Seasonal highlights and local traditions
From May to September, a sunshade made of more than 1,500 colourful umbrellas covers the Plaza Mayor in Malpartida de Cáceres. As this display is seasonal, it is advisable to check the dates before your trip. This lets you plan to see this special sight without assuming it is there all year round.
La Pedida de la Patatera takes place on Shrove Tuesday. The festival includes a large parade centred on the Patatera and music. The date follows the carnival calendar and therefore varies. The festival also features ten days of food-related activities focused on the Patatera, a sausage made from pork fat, paprika, garlic and cooked potatoes. The specific activities may vary from one edition to another, so check the festival dates and programme before planning your stay.
For an overview of the wider destination: Cáceres.
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