Espirdo combines local history and historic buildings with the landscape of the Campiña. When planning your visit, you can focus on different highlights: the 17th-century Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol, the historic Potros de Herrar, the Ermita de la Virgen de Veladíez or the natural region of gently rolling plains. Together, these topics paint a picture that spans the town’s name and former functions, as well as routes and festivals.
Local history and Potros de Herrar
The town’s name appears in several historical forms: in 1086 as “Spiritu” and in 1247 as “Spiritu de Ruviales”; since the 16th century, the town has borne its current name, Espirdo. The Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol dates from the 17th century. Those interested in the town’s history can compare names from earlier centuries with a specific building from a later period.
Another way to explore local history is through the Potros de Herrar, historic devices used to shoe livestock. There are three different locations in Espirdo: the Potro de Espirdo is on the road to Segovia, the Potro de Tizneros is on Calle la Fuentona, and the restored Potro de La Higuera is on Calle Baja. The street addresses help distinguish the three structures; the restored structure is specifically distinguished from the one on the road to Segovia and the one on Calle la Fuentona. Their historical function links the three names, while their locations and restoration status distinguish each site.
Ermita de la Virgen de Veladíez
The Ermita de la Virgen de Veladíez was once the church of a medieval settlement. It lies 1.5 kilometres outside Espirdo, in the direction of Segovia, on a small hill. A Visigothic necropolis is located a few metres from its walls. The building itself also shows distinct historical and architectural features: Romanesque corbels survive in the nave, and there is a portal on the south façade. This site therefore brings together its former role as a settlement church, an archaeological site and Romanesque architectural elements.
Campiña, river valleys and nature
Espirdo lies in the Duero Basin and in the natural region of the Miocene Campiñas, a landscape of gently rolling plains. The Riaza, Duratón, Cega, Pirón, Eresma and Moros rivers run through the Campiña, forming broad valleys and terraces. The plains and river landscape complement each other: the Campiña is shaped not only by its gentle contours, but also by its valleys and terraces.
Espirdo’s flora includes holm oaks, willows, ash trees, poplars, elms and pines. Its fauna includes hares, partridges, quails, kites and thrushes. These plant and animal species offer nature enthusiasts another way to explore the area, alongside its buildings and history. The landscape and species mentioned can therefore be included as a separate topic when planning a stay, distinct from the historic sites in the town and at the Ermita.
Routes and events throughout the year
The Camino de San Frutos leads from Espirdo’s Plaza through Tizneros, Basardilla and Santo Domingo de Pirón, and continues onward. The sequence of named places provides a concrete guide to the route. When planning, you can use these stops as reference points for working out the rest of your own itinerary.
The festivals also offer different times of year to visit: the Romería de Nuestra Señora de Veladíez takes place on the first Sunday in May; the patron saint festivities in honour of Nuestra Señora del Rosario are celebrated during the second week of September. Check the exact date before travelling. The annual Criazón de la Cacera de San Medel includes cleaning the irrigation channels. If you are interested in this tradition, check the details of taking part locally.
Discover more destinations: Castillejo De Mesleón, Aldeanueva De La Serrezuela, Sebúlcor, Cubillo, Consuegra De Murera, Marugán, Martín Muñoz De Las Posadas, Aguilafuente.
For the wider travel overview: Segovia.
