Sierra de Francia

Acuarelle by I. Simón

There's nothing like a weekend break to unwind, right? Last weekend I visited Sierra de Francia, a beautiful area near Salamanca in Spain. Together with some friends and my boyfriend, we beheld stunning landscapes and strolled around charming villages.

If you are ever in the area, visiting this place is a must. Here is a photo diary that may convince you to do so. Warning: there's an overload of balcony flowers.

First stop: Miranda del Castañar. This was our HQ. From there we traveled around the area. This small town is part of the Spanish national system of heritage listing. It is set on a mountainside and is encircled by a medieval wall with four gates. The most noteworthy monument is the Castle. Rebuilt in the early 14th century over the remains of an older castle dating from the 12th, the Castle is eyewitness to a past splendor time.

Mogarraz is probably one of the most beautiful and original towns I've ever seen. Portraits of former owners hang from the facade of almost every house.

People have been living in the area of La Alberca since before the arrival of the Romans, as evinced by the pre-Roman castro which sits beneath a part of town. In 1940 the town became a National Historic Landmark.

Fun fact: in La Alberca there is a tradition of having a pig loose in the streets that is fed by the neighbors. The pig, named "San Anton", is blessed on July 13, and released onto the town's streets. On January 17, the feast day of San Antonio, the pig is raffled off at the doors of the church. The funds are raised for the Brothers of St Antony.

Needless to say, the food is amazing here. particularly the meat. But let's talk about sweets. On the first pic you can see the typical dessert of the region: chestnut pie (if you could help me find the recipe I'd be eternally grateful). The second one is just ice-cream but how cute is the heart-shaped bowl?

La Abadía de los Templarios is a luxury hotel near La Alberca. As you can see the castle-like building is made up of several architectural styles from different periods in history and uses a wide variety of construction materials such as stone, wood, granite or stained glass windows.

Nowadays there are pretty amazing architectural designs but I find them boring. I miss the majestic and extraordinary constructions that history has left in our cities, particularly the time when Gothic cathedrals were built. That is why I love finding a modern construction that mirrors and celebrates those times.

As you read this I'll be on my way to Paris. If you want to join me on my adventures and see some hidden gems from the city of love you've never seen before I suggest you follow me on Instagram.

À bientôt!

Cristina xo