Martínez can be viewed from three perspectives: church architecture, landscape and local history. The Iglesia de Santo Tomás Apóstol, the Dehesa de Montalvo and the abandoned settlement of San Simones represent different themes. If you are weighing up culture and landscape for your trip, you can decide which of these highlights to focus on according to what interests you most.
Church Architecture and Altarpiece
The Iglesia de Santo Tomás Apóstol dates from the 16th century. Its nave is single-aisled, and the chancel has a flat end; both sections are covered by timber-beam structures. “Single-aisled” describes the layout of the nave, while the flat end describes the shape of the chancel. In this way, the architecture draws attention both to the floor plan and to the construction. Visitors interested in church architecture will find more than a date here: the building’s spatial form and roof structure are also part of how it is understood.
Inside is an 18th-century altarpiece, a work by the carver Manuel Pérez of Peñaranda. The building and the altarpiece therefore belong to different periods: the church dates from the 16th century, while the artwork is from the 18th. Alongside the architecture, the altarpiece offers a distinct art-historical point of interest.
Landscape and Settlement History
The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Estrella is located in a landscape area of the Dehesa de Montalvo. The Dehesa itself lies within the municipality of Martínez. These are two distinct geographical levels: the location of the Ermita within the landscape area, and the Dehesa’s inclusion in the municipal area.
The abandoned settlement of San Simones is also located within the municipality of Martínez. It offers a different focus from the Iglesia: here, settlement history complements architecture and religious art. Together, these named places offer different themes for a stay, even though they do not all have the same character.
History and Regional Orientation
Martínez belonged to the chapter of Serrezuela, one of the areas into which the Diocese of Ávila was divided for the collection of tithes. Martínez also always remained a place under royal ownership and was subject to the jurisdiction of the Council of Ávila. These connections complement the church and landscape themes with administrative and territorial history: one refers to the church’s division of the diocese for tithes, the other to royal ownership and the jurisdiction of Ávila.
For a broader sense of direction, Martínez is near the C510, which connects Piedrahíta with Peñaranda de Bracamonte. You can use these two place names as reference points when locating Martínez on a map. The Valle Tormes y Corneja Gredos Norte is part of the regional tourism area. The GR-10 long-distance trail can be hiked in full or in sections within this area. If you are considering the GR-10 for your trip, choose a suitable section within the tourism area.
Religious Tradition and Dates
A variant of the verse is sung during rogation processions to the Virgen de la Estrella, the patron saint of Martínez. This religious practice offers a different perspective on local culture from the church architecture and altarpiece: it belongs to the tradition surrounding the Virgen de la Estrella. For 2026, the local holidays under the name Santa Teresa were set for 15 and 16 October; these dates have now passed. If you are planning for a later year, please check the calendar in effect at that time.
Discover more destinations: Arenas De San Pedro, Blacha, La Adrada, Gilbuena, Salobral, Vita, Peguerinos, Peñalba De Avila
Go to the main travel overview: Avila.
