Portal de Turismo de Castilla y León

We welcome you to the "Convento de San Francisco" Park House. 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, the educators will inform you about the Nature Reserve and help you plan your visit.

Here, information on emblematic species and habitats is provided to facilitate the identification and highlight the cultural and natural heritage of these places, in a respectful manner while promoting the conservation and appreciation of biodiversity and cultural heritage.

This Park House is located inside the former convent of Saint Francis, in the municipality of Fermoselle. The territory, its geological history and the most outstanding habitats of the nature space are represented in it, ranging from the Arribes and Berrocales mountainous regions to the peneplain and the pasture areas, known as dehesas. They will also teach you about the convent and monastic life.

The convent of San Francisco dates back to the 18th century and is located in the westernmost part of the village, on the outskirts of Fermoselle, next to the church of Our Lady of La Bandera. Franciscan in style, it boasts a solid and simple architecture, with a tall façade of light stone with few small windows. This convent has had numerous uses over the years. It was a hospital, barracks, and a school. In the 1950s, it was abandoned and in 2006 the town council ceded it to the Castilla y León Regional Government that carried out a rehabilitation project to transform it into an interpretation centre.

Fermoselle, a picturesque village in the province of Zamora, is noted for its historical heritage, traditional architecture, and panoramic views of the Duero River. With Romanesque churches, cobble-stone streets, and stone houses, the village offers an authentic mediaeval atmosphere.

The Arribes del Duero is a natural and cultural region that spans the border between Spain and Portugal, specifically along the course of the Duero River. The area stands out for its impressive canyons and cliffs, creating a wild and majestic landscape. This region is home to a rich biodiversity, including holm oak forests, habitats for birds of prey and vineyards producing wines with the Arribes denomination of origin.

As soon as you go inside, you will find the reception desk, where the educators of the Park House will be pleased to help you if you have any questions. Behind the desk, you will find the green shop where you can buy typical local products and a souvenir of your visit.

On the wall to your right are the toilets.

Go down the corridor until you reach the end, where you will find a door leading to the audio-visual room.

Interestingly, this room was once the convent's kitchen. On the back wall, in the right-hand corner, there is a small oven in which the monks used to cook. On the ceiling, the flue of the old chimney that was in the centre of the wall, right next to the oven, remains.

The convent kitchens used basic, often local, ingredients. Some convents sought self-sufficiency by growing their own food in orchards and farms. In addition to their practical function, these kitchens also played an important role in special festivities and celebrations, thus contributing to the communal and spiritual life of the order.

Leave the audio-visual room. Turn right and proceed along the corridor. You will see that the walls are covered with white plasterboard, although some areas have been left uncovered to reveal the original stone walls of the convent.

Your visit begins here. Throughout the tour, you will learn about the Arribes del Duero region and the convent in which you are now.

In front of you is a large display case containing a model of the Arribes del Duero Nature Park, with all its peaks, valleys, rivers, and lakes. On each side of the display case there are small counters with images and information about the places of interest, as well as buttons that illuminate the corresponding area on the model.

Continue down the corridor.

On the left-hand side you will find a panel. Behind it, you will find a section on the dehesa meadows and peneplains of the area.

Dehesa meadows, the characteristic landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula, are multifunctional ecosystems that combine pasture land with scattered trees, mainly holm oaks and cork oaks. Recognised for their contribution to extensive livestock farming, especially in the rearing of acorn-fed Iberian pigs, the dehesas are meadows that are vital for biodiversity, hosting a variety of fauna and flora.

The peneplain is a type of relief characterised by an extensive flat or slightly undulating surface, formed over geological periods by processes of erosion and sedimentation. Their generally fertile soil due to the decomposition of underlying rocks and their gentle orography make these areas suitable for agriculture. It is found in various parts of the world and its study provides valuable information on the geological history and erosion processes in a specific region. The peneplain, like the Central Plateau in Spain, represents an important component of the relief with both practical and scientific applications.

On the wall to your left you will find a glass door leading to the cloister of the convent. Once outside, you will find yourself in an inner courtyard surrounded by arcaded galleries with semi-circular arches.

The cloisters of convents are architecturally significant spaces in monastic life. From Romanesque to Baroque times, the architecture and style of cloisters have evolved, but their fundamental purpose has been to provide a quiet, contemplative environment for monks and nuns to read, pray, and reflect.

Adorned with sculptures, reliefs and symbolic decorative elements, these cloisters have been places where spiritual life merges with artistic and architectural expression. In addition to their contemplative function, over the centuries some cloisters have incorporated educational and social elements, becoming multi-purpose spaces that reflect the evolution of monastic life throughout history.

On the same wall where the entrance door is located you will find a panel with dates of important events. Around the walls of the cloister you will also find small panels that teach about the Franciscans, the monks of the order who lived in this convent.

The Franciscan Order, founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209, is a Catholic religious community committed to the principles of the Gospel, emphasising poverty, humility and devotion to God. The Franciscan Rule, established by St. Francis, lays down the foundations of the order, including charity, compassion, and living in harmony with nature. Consisting of the orders of Friars Minor, the Poor Clares, and the Friars Minor Conventual, the order has a global presence and is dedicated to missions, evangelisation and different social and pastoral ministries.

Head towards the wall at the end of the room, where you will find some stairs leading up to the right. Once upstairs, you will find yourself at the top of the cloister gallery.

Return inside to continue the visit.

Continue down the corridor. On the wall to your right you will find a section dedicated to the grape harvest.

In Spain, the grape harvest, celebrated mainly between August and October, is a central event in the agricultural and wine-making life of the country. The Duero region is one of the most outstanding wine-growing areas. Spain's geographical and climatic diversity is reflected in the wide variety of wines produced during the harvest, from robust reds to fresh whites and sparkling wines.

The grape harvest tradition not only involves the manual or mechanical harvesting of grapes, but is also celebrated with local festivals, thus promoting wine tourism and consolidating the cultural importance of the grape harvest in the Spanish identity. In addition to its festive dimension, the grape harvest has a considerable economic impact by boosting the wine industry, generating employment, and positioning Spain as one of the world's leading wine producers.

Right next to the previous section, you will find a fireplace embedded in the stone wall of the convent.

The convents' fireplaces had an essential function in providing heating for communal spaces and individual cells. Numerous fireplaces were distributed throughout the rooms of the convents, as they were once the only sources of heat available to them.

Although today, many of these chimneys have lost their original function due to the development of modern heating systems, but their presence is still valuable due to their historical and architectural importance.

On the opposite wall, turning your back to the chimney, you will find the entrance to a small room. This rectangular room houses an exhibition on the LIFE RUPIS Project for the Conservation of the Egyptian Vulture and Bonelli's Eagle. On the right-hand side, there are four roll-ups, just opposite a bench in front of a television showing people who have taken part in the execution of the LIFE RUPIS Project who share their experience. On the left, there is a window where you can find products of the Natural Brand such as cheese, wine, honey, and jams.

Continue down the corridor. Carry on and you will find a reproduction of canyon walls. The upper part of the canyon has vegetation and moss, as well as some bird models.

Canyons are characterised by deep depressions and their origin may be due to various geological processes. Fluvial canyons are formed by the erosion of rivers and streams, while fault canyons arise along tectonic fault lines. In karstic areas, dissolution of rocks creates karstic canyons and in volcanic regions, volcanic canyons can originate from volcanic activity.

Also noteworthy are submarine canyons on the seabed. In addition to their scenic beauty, these canyons offer valuable insights into geological history and are diverse habitats that contribute to the natural and cultural richness of the planet.

Hanging from the ceiling above you will find models of birds such as Egyptian vultures and black storks.

Once you have made it across the canyon, to your right, you will find a counter with a tactile model of the Aldeadávila dam.

This dam, located on the Duero River in the province of Salamanca, was built in the 1950s as part of the country's Economic Development Plan. Inaugurated in 1962, its main purpose is the generation of hydroelectric power. The dam has created the Aldeadávila reservoir, regulating the flow of the river and contributing to regional development by providing employment and electricity. In addition to its economic importance, the infrastructure has had an impact on the management of water resources in the region and represents a key element within the Spanish electricity grid.

Go through the tunnel in front of the model of the dam.

This tunnel is intended to imitate those found in aquariums. This tunnel offers you an immersive experience by allowing you to walk through a transparent tube that simulates two large water tanks where various aquatic organisms live and where we can hear the water gurgling.

The Duero riverbed plays a crucial role in the geography and history of Spain and Portugal. It is home to a biological diversity that is key to the balance of the aquatic ecosystem. It is composed of sediment, sand, gravel, and rocks, although it may vary along its course, depending on the geology of the region through which the river flows. This river bed is home to a variety of aquatic fauna, including Atlantic salmon, brown trout, barbel, and northern pike.

The Atlantic salmon is a species that undergoes a unique migration in its life cycle. Born in freshwater rivers, salmon migrate to the ocean, where they spend most of their adult life before returning to the river they were born in to reproduce. This migration is extraordinary and salmon have to overcome great obstacles on their way back.

Aquatic vegetation, consisting mainly of reeds, rushes, and bulrushes, unfolds its splendour in the Duero, adding a unique and vital dimension to the aquatic landscapes. Reeds and bulrushes, with their flexible stems and narrow leaves, provide shelter and food for a variety of aquatic species, contributing to the health of the ecosystem. The majestic cattails, with their feathery inflorescences, stand out as ornamental elements and refuges for waterfowl. This varied vegetation not only beautifies bodies of water, but also plays a crucial role in ecological balance by providing diverse habitats and promoting aquatic biodiversity.

After going through the tunnel, you will find the ethnographic museum on your left. In this area you will discover more about the people, myths, legends, festivals, and traditions of the area.

Arribes del Duero, located on the border between Spain and Portugal, has a rich and diverse history that spans from prehistoric times to the present day. The scene of ancient settlements and disputes during the Reconquest, the region played a strategic role in the border defence between Christian and Muslim kingdoms. Over the centuries, defensive structures were developed, while in the 16th and 17th centuries the area experienced an economic boom.

However, the depopulation of the 19th and 20th centuries has taken its toll on the region. At present, Arribes del Duero has been recognised as a Nature Park, highlighting its ecological and cultural value.

Arribes del Duero celebrates several festivities throughout the year, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. Patron saint festivals honour local saints with processions and religious events, while colourful carnivals fill the streets with parades and costumes. Gastronomic festivals highlight the culinary traditions of the region, offering local dishes and wines.

Religious events, such as Easter, are also prominent features in the calendar. In addition, traditional and popular festivals, with folk music, dances and social activities, enrich the cultural life of the community and attract visitors interested in diving into the authentic traditions of Arribes del Duero.

This region is also home to myths and legends that have been passed down from generation to generation. One of the best-known stories is that of the Salto del Fraile waterfall. Legend has it that a young girl, known as the "Bewitched of Salto del Fraile", was bewitched and condemned to live underwater until someone managed to free her. It is said that, on nights when the moon is full, her wail can be heard in the surrounding area.

Some legends mention the presence of a mermaid in the waters of the Duero River, in the Arribes region. This mythical creature is believed to lure the unsuspecting with her mesmerising song.

The economy of Arribes del Duero has evolved over time, integrating traditional activities with contemporary approaches. Agriculture and livestock farming, historically fundamental, coexist with an outstanding wine-growing industry backed by the Arribes denomination of origin.

Tourism, driven by natural beauty and cultural festivities, has emerged as a growth sector, offering opportunities for sustainable development.

Hydroelectric power generation makes the most of the region's water resources. Facing challenges such as depopulation, Arribes del Duero seeks to strengthen its economy through diversification, responsible tourism and the preservation of its natural resources.

On the right-hand wall you will find two screens showing documentaries on traditions. You will also find a funerary stele on display.

Funerary stelae are upright monuments, usually made of carved stone, erected to commemorate the deceased. These structures, present in various cultures throughout history, often contain inscriptions, engravings or reliefs that provide information about the deceased and symbolic representations associated with death and the afterlife.

Placed in cemeteries, individual graves or memorial areas, stelae reflect the symbolism, artistic and architectural expression of their time and have endured through the centuries, serving an eternal witnesses of memory and respect for those who have departed.

At the back of the room you will find some objects, utensils and ancient constructions, such as jugs, a wheelbarrow, a loom, and a stone washbasin-fountain.

Take the small corridor to the right of the underwater tunnel. Here you will find a door leading to the Courtyard of the Lost Steps.

In front of you is a fountain attached to the wall, with a single spout. Please bear in mind that the water is non-drinkable. On the flat surfaces you will find models of several amphibians, including a frog, a toad and several species of newts, such as the marbled newt and the Iberian newt. To the left of the fountain, hanging on the wall, you will find a panel with information about these amphibians.

The marbled newt is a European amphibian known for its distinctive marbled pattern on the skin, which can be green, brown, and black. During the spring breeding season, males exhibit bright colours and develop large dorsal crests. Its diet is carnivorous, feeding mostly on insects and other aquatic invertebrates.

The Iberian newt is an amphibian endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, mainly present in Spain and Portugal. Their distinctive appearance includes background colours varying between brown, grey and green, decorated with dark spots and stripes. When breeding, males develop dorsal crests and exhibit brighter colours. As a defensive mechanism, it may secrete toxic substances through its skin.

As a curious fact, the prison cells were located in this courtyard many years ago.

Return inside to continue the visit.

Now go to the stone counters next to the underwater tunnel and pass through to the other side. This area is also dedicated to temporary exhibits.

On the right-hand side you will find windows and a gate leading to the convent gardens.

Go along the stone path that you will find on your way down. Along this route, you will see some stone benches on the margins of the path where you can sit down to rest and enjoy the Nature Park's fresh air.

Halfway along the route you will come to a viewpoint, which is located on the left-hand side. Opposite this viewpoint, you will find the Duero River and the Portuguese border and you can take in the traditional orchards of the Convent, now planted with almond trees.

At the end of the path you will find a typical construction such as the "chiviteros," goat stalls, made up of stones placed in a circle the size of a small goat and with a broom roof, where the small goats were left so that the mothers could graze in peace.

At the end of the road you will find a downhill slope. Once you reach the bottom, continue along the stone path. On the left-hand side you will find a small orchard with a well and a sycamore tree. Open the wooden gate to enter.

At the bottom of the stairs or ramp opposite is a vegetable garden surrounded by a stone wall and with a wooden gate. Inside you can see garden produce, a well, and an irrigation system.

If you continue along the stone path you will reach the end of the route, marked by a large stone staircase. Climb this staircase to reach the entrance courtyard of the convent.

With this audio track, the visit to the "Convento de San Francisco" Park House comes to an end, where you have learned a little more about life in this area and in the convent.

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.