San Martín del Castañar: Where the Past Still Lives

San Martín del Castañar: Living Medieval Heritage in the Sierra de Francia

San Martín del Castañar sits within the Las Batuecas – Sierra de Francia Natural Park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2006. A village known for the exceptional preservation of its architecture and natural surroundings.

🏛️ Heritage with Documented History

• Castle and walls: 14th–15th century fortress, today home to a cultural centre and public squares
• Church of San Martín de Tours: 13th–14th century, with Mudéjar coffered ceiling and later altarpieces
• Jurisdictional pillory: 16th century, a symbol of the old lordship
• Medieval bridge and hermitage by the Francia river: 16th–17th century
• Casa del Concejo – Ethnographic Museum: traditional mountain architecture

Much of the historic old town is protected for its historical and ethnographic value.

🌿 Nature and Official Trails

The village's immediate surroundings offer:

• Marked trails from the Natural Spaces Network of Castilla y León
• Connections to the Bosque de los Espejos (art in nature)
• Paths to the Sierra's natural viewpoints
• A natural pool by the river in summer

Culture and nature come together here in an authentic way.

🍷 La Bodega Medieval: Living Wine Heritage

Beneath the streets of the old town beats an underground cellar dating from the early 16th century, restored for cultural visits and guided tastings that reveal the history of wine in the Sierra de Francia.

📌 Guided Visit and Tasting: Book Now

🏡 Where to Stay: Los Nietos de Pura Rural House

Located between the castle and the church, this fully renovated rural house is an ideal option for:

• Families
• Small groups
• Cultural travellers

Three ways to stay:

• 2 bedrooms → capacity 4
• 3 bedrooms → capacity 6
• The whole house → capacity 8 + 2

🐾 Dogs welcome (max. 1 per room). Designed to offer modern comfort while respecting the mountain village's aesthetic.

📌 More Info & Bookings: Los Nietos de Pura

📌 Cultural Tourism You Live, Not Just Photograph

San Martín is not just a place to photograph. It's a destination where:

• ✅ you learn
• ✅ you enjoy
• ✅ and you raise a glass once again

🍷 Coming to Discover It?

Experience heritage that is preserved with authenticity. We'll be waiting for you at La Bodega Medieval to toast to history.