The best cycling routes around Las Berlanas

The Castro de Las Cogotas, located in the municipality of Cardeñosa (Ávila), is one of the most emblematic Iron Age archaeological sites on the Iberian Peninsula, especially linked to the Vetton people. It is situated on a hill next to the Adaja River, surrounded by holm oak groves, pastures, and fertile land. This location offered defensive advantages and abundant natural resources. The fort is open to the public and has an Interpretation Center that explains its history and characteristics. Periodic archaeological conferences are also held on the site.

Aveinte, a name with historical roots, has a fascinating legend dating back to ancient times. Many centuries ago, at the dawn of the Middle Ages, there was a small town in what we know today as Aveinte. The inhabitants of this place were simple people, dedicated mainly to agriculture and livestock. They lived in harmony with nature and worshiped the gods of the earth and sky. One day, during a time of drought and scarcity, the locals gathered in the town square to pray for rain and good harvests. The wise old man of the place, known as Adventius, led the ceremony. With his wrinkled hands and deep voice, he spoke words of supplication to heaven. Legend has it that, at that crucial moment, a mysterious figure appeared among the clouds. He was a luminous being, dressed in white robes and silver hair. The villagers were amazed and knelt before this heavenly presence. The being addressed Adventius and spoke to him in an ancient language that only he understood. “For your devotion and the faith of your people, I will grant a blessing,” he said. “From now on, every twenty years, the waters of the river that runs through Aveinte will overflow, fertilizing the land and ensuring abundant harvests.” Thus the name Aveinte was born, which means “advent” or “arrival” in honor of the heavenly visit. Since then, every twenty years, the river overflows and renews the earth, fulfilling the promise of the luminous being. The inhabitants of Aveinte keep this tradition alive and celebrate “Aveinte” with joy and gratitude. The legend has been passed down from generation to generation, and the town's name remains a reminder of its connection to the divine and renewed hope. So, when you walk through the cobblestone streets of Aveinte, remember this story and the magic that surrounds its name. 🌟🏡

The place name Mingorría retains Basque reminiscences, deriving from “mendi gorria,” which means “red mountain” or “red land.” This is observed in other cases in the province of Ávila, such as the town of Mendigorría in Navarra. In historical documents, Mingorría already appears as Ningorría, and it is believed that there was an assimilation due to the change of the liquid initials “M” to “N.” Another legend attributes the name of Mingorría to the notice that José Chinchurreta gave to monarch Felipe II, justifying the delay in the supply of granite during the works of the Monastery of El Escorial.

Three stone crosses located on a rocky outcrop near the Ermita del Berrocal, on the outskirts of Cardeñosa.

Cardeñosa is the ideal place to stop along the way and have a drink to continue the route. Here is the Castro Interpretation Center

Small town located in a flat area between the cities between Ávila and Salamanca. Its church, that of Santo Tomas apostol, is one of the most important elements of the nucleus.

Nucleus that has a great history behind it not only because Las Cogotas is located closer to the reservoir but also, for example, the Arco toral of the depopulated Conejeros.

Las Cogotas is an ancient walled enclosure that is currently an important archaeological site located north of the city of Ávila and right next to the Embalse del Castro de Las Cogotas.