Guisando is one of the most charming villages in the Tiétar Valley, in the province of Ávila. It forms part of the district of Arenas de San Pedro, a town to which it belonged until it was granted the title of villa in 1760.
This village is located at an altitude of almost 800 metres above sea level in the southern part of the Sierra de Gredos. It’s an area of true natural beauty, especially the passage of the River Pelayos which flows through Guisando.
Without doubt, Guisando is a perfect destination for a getaway. With just over 500 inhabitants, peace and quiet are guaranteed. Moreover, it’s worth visiting at any time of year, though the weather is most reliable in the summer. At other times of year, the area receives a lot of rainfall, which gives its natural spaces their intense colours.
What can you see in Guisando? You’re in luck - Guisando was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1974 due to the beauty of its well preserved centre and the characteristic features of its architecture. Particularly of note are the houses with white façades set above the lively waters of the Covacho creek.
Walking through the centre gives you the chance to enjoy the village’s rich heritage, made up of sites such as the Homenaje al Cabrero (the Monument to the Goat) next to the river, which is a reminder of the importance of agriculture and livestock to the traditional lifestyles of the region’s inhabitants. There is another monument to the male wild goat very close by, which is one of the emblems of the Sierra de Gredos Regional Park.
As far as religious sites are concerned, the church of La Purísima Concepción de María stands out. Here you will find powerful works of art in the form of images and altarpieces.
The Frande Fountain, the Town Hall and the Rollo, which is the main symbol of the town's independence, are other places not to be missed.
If you’re heading into the surrounding area, have your camera at the ready. The beautiful landscape is full of places to visit. You can find trails that take you to points such as the Nogal del Barranco, ideal if you are a lover of hiking and climbing as it is the point of access to the regional park.
La Casa del Parque del Risquillo is one of sites of interest in the Sierra de Gredos protected area. It’s a good place for open-air activities, including swimming in a natural swimming pool. Also nearby are the famous Toros de Guisando which belong to the municipality of El Tiemblo. These ancient sculptures are a must-see vestige of antiquity that has been perfectly preserved to this day.
You can eat well in any of the restaurants in this village and enjoy the traditional gastronomy in which stews, patatas revolconas, migas and meats are the mainstays.
How to get there? The best option is by car, although less than 40 kilometres away there is a train station that connects with some bus routes that go to the village.
