Portal de Turismo de Castilla y León

Welcome to the Arribes del Duero Park House "El Torreón de Sobradillo."

As in the rest of the houses of the park spread throughout the Castilla y León region, it is the recommended gateway to these natural areas. At this interpretation centre, our educators will provide you with information about the Natural Area and will help you organise your visit to viewpoints, routes, villages, and other points of interest.

The Arribes del Duero Park House "El Torreón de Sobradillo" is located in a 12th century mediaeval keep. To the right, there is a rectangular stone building, formerly a cistern, where rainwater was collected for the use of the castle's services.

Visitors are welcomed in a building located to the left of the keep, in the Castle Square, opposite the access ramp to the keep.

Go to this building to begin your visit.

Next to the reception desk you will find the Green Shop, where you can buy local products and a souvenir of your visit.

Leaving the corridor and on your left-hand side, you will find a door leading to the audio-visual room.

The visit begins in this multi-purpose room, where a video is projected that covers the entire natural space. Take a seat and enjoy the video. It lasts about twenty minutes.

To continue your visit, leave the building and go to the Keep.

If you wish, our reception staff will provide you with information about the Arribes del Duero Nature Park.

The Arribes del Duero protected area was declared a Nature Park by Spain in 2002 and in 1998 by Portugal. The Park has two Park Houses, one in Sobradillo (Salamanca), located in the Keep and the other in Fermoselle (Zamora), in the Convent of Saint Francis.

The Arribes del Duero region, located in the west of Zamora and Salamanca, stands out for its deep canyons formed by the Duero River, which serves as a border with Portugal. Almost 100 kilometres long, this area offers a rugged granite landscape and diverse flora and fauna.

The Arribes relief belongs to the Paleozoic bedrock and is mainly composed of granite and granodiorite. The Duero, Huebra, Tormes, Camaces, and Uces rivers have sculpted the landscape. One of the most beautiful and spectacular waterfalls in the whole Iberian Peninsula is located in the canyon of the Uces River: Pozo de los Humos, with a waterfall that is over 50-metres high.

Within the region there are interesting towns such as Fermoselle, in Zamora and San Felices de los Gallegos, in Salamanca, both of which have been declared Historic-Artistic Sites. Arribes del Duero is home to a rich heritage that includes remains of the Vettones remains as forts, anthropomorphic tombs, stelae, mediaeval fountains, as well as elements related to agricultural and livestock life, such as mills, oil mills and chiviteros, a typical hut.

Sobradillo is on Portugal's border thanks to the Águeda River. The town has been populated since Neolithic times, but its current location is due to the repopulation carried out by the León kings in the 12th century. The Order of the Temple managed the town, which later came under the Diocese of Ciudad Rodrigo and was governed by Count Sancho and Beatriz of Portugal in the 14th century. They maintained the Lordship of Sobradillo, with taxes such as the Noveno, until the 19th century. With the division of Spain in 1833, Sobradillo became part of the Region of León.

In recent years, the population has been slowly declining and in 2022, the census amounted to 193.

A ramp will lead you to the excavation of the castle in front of the keep, which shows the rooms of the old castle, built in the 12th century to protect León’s border from Portugal. In the 15th century, the keep was completely refurbished, giving it its present-day appearance. In its structure, the coats of arms of the Rodríguez de Ledesma family are displayed, adding a distinctive touch to its history and architecture.

Stand on the platform with your back to the keep. In front of you, you’ll find a small 16th-century parade ground, which was only discovered about 15 years ago when the concrete covering it was excavated.

Today, the remains of the wall frame the enclosure. To its left you’ll see an old cistern, known as "El pozo de las monedas," a coin well. In the background, there are the remains of a barn that was connected to the stables on the right through a window. In front of these stables, there is a small storeroom, and in the corner of the enclosure, a defence tower.

Excavations have only gone as far as the neighbouring houses, so it has not been possible to find the end of the fortification and its actual size is unknown, although we know it was small. Despite its size, it was of great strategic importance for Portugal as it was part of the direct border, as mentioned in Portuguese military documents. It was prominent during the wars of secession, especially in 1668, when Portugal gained its independence. It also played a significant role in the succession wars that took place on the Spanish-Portuguese border.

The fortress suffered its last destruction in 1707, and the town of Sobradillo carried out the demolition to prevent it from falling into Portugal's hands. During the reconstruction, the entrance was modified and placed in what used to be the entrance to the cellars. The original entrance was on the first floor and was accessed via wooden stairs.

The Keep is currently the Arribes del Duero Nature Park House.

When you enter the Park House, you will find a hall with a staircase leading to the upper levels. In this room you will also find posters with photographs and information about the Natural Park, a map to help you find your way around and models to help you better understand the environment.

If you head to the right, you can visit an aquarium displaying the fish that inhabit the rivers of the Nature Park, along with detailed information about each species.

The house in which you are now was rebuilt by a training workshop. The Town Council ceded the space to the Junta de Castilla y León to create the Park House, and thanks to the masonry and carpentry work carried out by the students, the interior structure was restored. Although the floors were kept in their original location, the staircase was relocated to improve access to the upper floors.

Stand in front of the model of the park.

The Arribes del Duero Nature Park covers a narrow strip of more than 1000 square kilometres along the western border of Zamora and Salamanca, marking the boundary between Spain and Portugal. This territory, with its unique orography, presents notable contrasts between the peneplain and the highlands formed by the course of the Duero River and its tributaries.

The geographical configuration of this natural space, with a valley sheltered from the winds and very exposed to the sun, creates a microclimate favourable to a wide plant biodiversity. The imposing cliffs and rocky peaks, with a gradient of up to 400 metres, provide the main habitat for the park's most outstanding fauna: Birds.

Geomorphology is one of the main features of this area. It is a gently eroded peneplain, revealing Paleozoic granitic materials that is over 350 million years old. The erosive action of the rivers has carved deep valleys with steep walls, known as arribes, which extend for almost 180 kilometres.

The Duero River crosses the park from north to south for 100 kilometres, serving as a border with Portugal and forming large canyons. The tributaries such as Esla, Tormes, Uces, Huebra, Camaces, and Águeda contribute to the continuity of the Arribes unique rugged landscape. To the south, the Águeda River, which acts as a border with Portugal, has viewpoints such as Molinillo and Torno. Further south, in San Felices de los Gallegos, the Turón River marks the border with Portugal.

To the north and west, the Águeda River joins the Duero at Vega Terrón, the lowest point in the park at just 135 metres above sea level. From this point, the Duero is navigable down to its mouth.

With approximately 107,000 hectares in Zamora and Salamanca, the park also extends into Portugal, covering over 200,000 hectares of protected area along the Duero and its tributaries in total.

The existence of five dams, two in Salamanca and three in Zamora, has modified the course of the Duero, avoiding rapids and steep waterfalls. These dams are essential to control the flow of the river, taking advantage of the fracture zones of the bedrock and eroding the softer metamorphic rocks, compared to the granitic rocks.

Approach the aquarium on the pedestal.

Here, you can discover life-size models of cyprinidae, commonly known as carp, that inhabit the Park's rivers. On the left, the achondrostoma arcasii, the sarda, the calandino and the Iberian nase stand out; and on the right, the northern straight-mouth nase, the cobitis paludica and the Alagón cobitis paludica.

Cyprinidae are freshwater fish, characterised by their elongated and laterally compressed body, and their mouths ending in barbels. Their colouring varies widely, and they may have patterns such as scales, spots, or even stripes. They are omnivorous fish that feed on aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, and small fish. Reproduction usually occurs in spring, with fertilised eggs attaching to aquatic vegetation.

All of the species shown are highly threatened by the introduction of exotic species, as well as dams and water pollution.

Climb the stairs. If you continue climbing the stairs, you will discover the landscape of the Arribes. In the second section, you will find a model of a kestrel in a niche in the wall.

Compared to other birds of prey, kestrels are relatively small, although they are larger than most birds. They have long, reddish-red wings with black spots. Their dimensions range from 34 to 38 cm from head to tail, with a wingspan of 70 to 80 cm. The average weight of an adult male is around 150 grams, while the female weighs approximately 190 grams.

Once you reach the first floor, you will be in the main room of the keep. The lower part of the river is represented here, with the Arribes canyons and waterfalls, such as Pozo de los Humos. The animals of the park are also represented: fish, an otter among the riverside plants, a black stork on a rocky outcrop, a Bonelli's eagle on the right, a griffon vulture on the left and, hanging from the ceiling, an Egyptian vulture in flight.

Arribes del Duero has an impressive animal variety that covers all groups of living beings. The vertebrates are the most studied animal group with over 300 identified species. Among the birds, of which there are more than 200 species, the large rupicolous birds stand out, that is, birds living in rock formations such as cliffs or canyons. Very important examples are the black stork and the Bonelli's eagle, the most endangered bird of prey in Castilla y León, which finds a crucial refuge in the Arribes. Another important species is the Eurasian crag martin, which builds its nests with mud in the cliffs of the Arribes, like swallows. It is a bird measuring about 14 cm in length. Its plumage has ash-brown upperparts and lighter underparts, with a short, square tail exhibiting distinctive white markings.

As for other birds, such as necrophagous birds, one of the most important Egyptian vulture populations in Spain is located in this region. In addition, on the rocky outcrops, a healthy population of griffon vultures and golden eagles can be observed, as well as the presence of peregrine falcons and eagle owls.

Among the steppe birds, the Dupont's lark has its most westerly breeding site on the Iberian Peninsula. This species is threatened by greenhouses, wind farms, and new irrigated crops. A 2005 study estimated that there were no more than 1300 pairs in the whole of Spain.

The intense sunlight contributes to the presence of reptiles, with more than 18 species, including the ocellated lizard, the Algerian psammodromus, and the ladder snake.

There is also the presence of mammals such as genets, wild boars, and roe deer. The rich variety of fauna make Arribes del Duero a unique and significant habitat.

On the panels, you can also observe the change that the construction of the dams brought about, preventing fish from the sea from swimming upstream and allowing the proliferation of water sports. A study on the flora and fauna of the Arribes’ rivers is also on display.

Next to the waterfall, you can find a representation of a cave with bats protected by glass, which recreates the ecosystem of these flying mammals that are so abundant in the caves and tunnels of the Arribes region. There are models of bats attached to the wall and hanging from the ceiling. There, you will also find information on the 18 species that have been discovered in the Park.

Bats possess a unique feature in the animal kingdom: echolocation. Most bat species use this amazing system to navigate and hunt in the dark. They emit high-frequency ultrasound and, by listening to the echoes of these sounds as they bounce off objects, they can map their environment with astonishing accuracy. This sophisticated method allows them to avoid obstacles, detect prey and even distinguish details as fine as the outline of a human hair. Bats’ echolocation stands out as a unique and essential adaptation that has contributed to the success of these animals in diverse ecosystems around the world.

Continue up the stairs to the mezzanine landing. Here, you can see the enormous chimney flue, with a round mouth, which occupies most of the wall. It used to have a large bell, but it was removed to create this landing.

In the right corner, you will find the head of Saint Peter, and in the next panel, you can find information about the geological origin of Arribes del Duero from the Thetis Sea.

Climb the steps to the first floor.

As you climb up the stairs, the slopes of the Arribes are recreated with photos of the rivers, which are situated between 250 and 650 metres above the sea.

On the first wall, on the left, you can see a mural with a realistic painting, depicting a wild area of the Arribes, with a vulture flying overhead. In front of the mural, you will find a table with photos and information about the slopes where almond trees, vines, and olive trees are grown.

On the walls, you can find stone benches in the window recess where you can rest.

You’ll also find an easel holding information on sacred crags, hermitages, forts, and stelae.

Information is also provided on the cultural topography with names that form a heritage passed down by word of mouth, such as palambreras, fayales, picones, canaleas, resayos vagüeras, and colagas.

This floor highlights the vegetation and landscape of the Arribes hillsides, characterised by forests and crops adapted to the Mediterranean climate. The protection of the canyon and its low altitude favour the development of these slopes.

In these areas of varying altitude, forests of hackberry, cornicabra, juniper, Montpellier maple, strawberry trees, and prickly pears thrive, forming Mediterranean forests.

It is worth noting that the best variety of hackberry in the entire Mediterranean basin is found in the Nice area, occupying an area of 4.5 kilometres.

Cultivation on the slopes was done on terraces, with orange groves in the lower areas and olive trees, vineyards and almond trees at higher altitudes, favoured by milder temperatures. While the Portuguese slope is fully cultivated up to the river, the Spanish slope shows the possible past presence of terraces that were abandoned and colonised by Mediterranean forest.

The Arribes region stands out for the production of olive oil, with the olive variety called zorzal de Arribes, unique to Ahigal de los Aceiteros and San Felices de los Gallegos. It is also worth mentioning the production of wine with the Arribes denomination of origin, made from a red grape exclusive to the area. Additionally, almonds, which are exported to Alicante, Valencia and Toledo for the production of nougat and marzipan are especially significant.

The mural depicts a meander of the Huebra River and places you in a fort on the opposite summit. These forts were strategic positions used by the Breton settlements in Arribes, such as this one, where the Huebra River defended the settlement and only the walled entrance had to be protected.

The television screen in this room explains the history of the region from Mediaeval times to the present day by means of a representation of the characters of this area.

Turn towards the window. The presiding turret is a reflection of the fact that the keep served as a residence from the 15th to the 19th century, and had a defensive function.

If you look out the window, you can see Sierro de la Horca, where the Sacred Heart of Jesus is located. Built in the second half of the 18th century, it is located at one of the highest points of the village, at an altitude of 696 metres above sea level. The place is known as the Sierro de la Horca because historically it was used to execute those sentenced to death for treason against their lord. Despite its sombre history, from this site you can enjoy a breath-taking view of the town and its surroundings.

Did you know that they say that from this window the lord watched the rebels being executed?

Go up to the third floor, which is dedicated to the peneplain, located at the top of the Nature Park, between 450 and 750 metres above sea level.

Here, you can find posters with information about the peneplain. On the same wall, two additional panels form the "Memory Corner" with black and white photographs. Below these panels you will find an animal feeder carved into a log. If you carry on, you will find a mural depicting a typical cortina of the area.

The terrain of these peneplains alternates between granite and other rocks such as quartzite and quartz. The predominant use of these peneplains is for pasture land, divided into smallholdings with small plots called cortinas, separated by stone walls. The landscape is dominated by holm oaks, oaks, and cork oaks, with some ash trees in the cooler areas.

In the southern part of the region, holm oaks predominate, while as you go north, you will find oak groves. In the Zamora area there are large cork oak forests that played a crucial role in the feeding of livestock thanks to their acorns. Cereals, pulses, and potatoes were also grown for both human and animal consumption. The current decline in agricultural activity influences the presence of rabbits and partridges, which are key components of the Bonelli's eagle's diet.

The geological reality of the region influences both the natural landscape and the popular architecture, where granite is the fundamental building material. Thus, the cortinas, the walls dividing the plots, were built with granite, slate or quartz, depending on the predominant material in the area. These structures not only have practical functions, but also were sources of biodiversity by providing habitats for various species that hunt or nest in them.

Livestock farming has been and remains the fundamental economic base in the region, while agriculture, which used to be essential, is nowadays limited to small farms near the villages.

The rich historical heritage of the park reflects the influence of various cultures over time, from the Celts with their numerous forts, to the Roman domination evident in roads and funerary stelae. The Visigothic and Muslim invasions also left their mark until the arrival of Christianity. The hermitages and churches of the 10th and 11th centuries under the Kingdom of Castile and León stand out among the sites.

Popular architecture, centred on stone, plays an important role in this territory, with dwellings with different structures and façades, generating a significant architectural variety.

Also noteworthy are the cultivation terraces, bridges, fountains, wells with crankshafts, and waterwheels that make use of the water flowing from the rivers, as well as the cattle crushes.

The area is currently developing quality tourism linked to specific local action programmes, partly motivated by the designation of the area as a Nature Park.

Climb up to the battlements of the keep.

From the battlements, you can look out over the fields around the village. If you leave the exit gate behind you, you will see Serra da Estrela, which belongs to the neighbouring country.

In the wall protecting the parapet, you will find photographs and information about the lands of Riba Coa and Castelo Rodrigo, both antagonistic Portuguese towns to Sobradillo.

Walk around the red-tiled roof and head towards the north side.

From here, you can see the confluence of the Águeda River with the Duero. In this area, you’ll find the Penedo Durao viewpoint, located in Portugal, which is the highest point in the southern region of the Arribes.

If you go east, you will find a lookout post. It is a small lookout post attached to the keep on the corner.

Continue to the south side. The highest point in front is the Sierro de la Horca. Opposite is La Espadaña, a former Franciscan convent.

This area was very busy with pilgrims coming from Almofán, crossing the Águeda River and continuing south towards Sobradillo, San Felices de los Gallegos, and Ciudad Rodrigo. Its final destination was the Monastery of Peña de Francia, in the Salamanca Mountain Range.

From this southern side, you can see the Jewish quarter of Sobradillo, which is very picturesque quarter made up of narrow jumbled streets.

With this audio track, the visit is over. If you would like more details, you are welcome to come to the reception desk or ask any of the workers at the Park House.

Thank you for your visit.