The Secret of the Arrago Valley

by José Manuel Hernández Mogollón

Participation in the Saturday, July 3 optional tour offers the unique possibility of taking a journey into the past. The Arrago Valley in Extremadura is a place where tradition and customs are very much alive. It reminds one of the people who inhabited Spain many centuries ago: Lusi-tanians, Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, and Jews. It is a place where old ways of life coexist with modern practices, where peace and tranquillity, friendship and good people, mother nature and life, flavors and fragrances, intertwine to form a place of enchantment .

A privileged enclave of air and light, Sierra de Gata is without any doubt a place with a perso-nality. The passing of time has not changed the beauty of its countryside and nature, its vernacular architecture, its popu-lar culture, nor the ancient tradit-ions of its people.

Perched in the extreme North-west of the province of Cáceres, on the southern slope of the Central System, Sierra de Gata, which serves as a border between Portugal and Castilla, offers a gentle and winding relief which runs through five valleys dotted with 22 villages and a mild micro-climate which guaranties a vast biological diversity.

Many people and civilizations lived in this region. Numerous dolmens, standing stones, grave-stones, celtic temples, castles, Roman roadways... are still in perfect condition.

Wine and olive oil, the two great treasures of this region, were first exploited by the Roman Emperors for their pantries in Rome. The beauty and goodness of this land was most appreciated by the Arabs who built castles and fortresses on the highest peaks of the Range dominated by the sacred mountain of the Jálama. Oil mills were built at this time, and century after century they grew in number like a rosary along the rivers' banks. Therefore, this region was named "the country of mills."

On this tour we would like to offer you an encounter with rural tradition, an inner jour-ney to allow you to be reacquainted with the essence of life. We will start from the con-ference center San Francisco in Cáceres. After going through the natural reserve of the Llanos, we will cross the river Tajo, which for centuries has served as a border between Arabs and Christians. It is a landscape of oak and cork-oaks trees, where bulls are raised, a landscape sprinkled with castles, underlining its nature as border from another time.

Ninety minutes later, we will arrive at Cadalso de Gata, located at the foot of one of the most impressive mountains of the range, crowned by the Almenara, an Arabic fortification that has dominated the village for the last 1000 years. The village received its name from a jail used by the Inquisition when it persecuted Arabs and Jews that were hiding in the mountains. These people left their mark on the culture of this part of Spain.

Cadalso de Gata is the gateway to the Arrago Valley. The township is renowned for its handicrafts (wickerwork chairs and baskets) and the outstanding beauty of such spots as 'Pejinoso,' 'Sierra de los Angeles,' 'Pesquera,' 'Los Pilares' and 'Los Cachones.' It is the most eastern valley of the Sierra de Gata. Following the river we will travel to Descargamaria (lit. translation: 'Maria get off ...' this is the place where the terrain begins to rise and the animals needed some relief) our first stop. The village is nestled in an extensive area of forests, made up of pines and evergreen oaks. We will have lunch in an old oil mill close to the river Arrago. Its water is so clear and pure that you could drink it and at the same time take a refreshing swim in one of the numerous natural pools, surrounded by pines, oaks, chestnuts, and holly trees. Due to the exceptional scenery and the ecological importance of the natural habitats, this area has been made a Nature Reserve.

In this small village, you will be able to become acquainted with the people who carry on with an ancient tradition of wine making. Stored in small cellars, this wine is an invitation to straightforwardness, warmth and encounter. This wine received the attention of kings, like Emperor Charles V who preferred to drink wine from this part of his empire.

Don't forget to wear summer clothes, comfortable shoes, bring a swim suit, a hat, and most of all an open, adventurous mind. In the evening we will prepare (and have!) dinner with the villagers. Music will be provided so that you can learn how to dance pasodobles. We expect to be back in Cáceres around mid-night. We believe that through your active participation, you will come to appreciate and understand "The Secret of The Arrago Valley." For additional information visit our web site at: http://www.antiquanatura.com/gata/home.html.

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