In order to know where we are heading to, we have to go to the heart of the “Sierra de Francia”, in Salamanca, specifically to the southern part of the province, bordering Extremadura. This is where we will find “La Alberca”, a small town where we can rediscover rural tourism.
Do you know anything about its origins? If not, don't worry, we'll give you a little insight into the history of this beautiful town.
From prehistoric times we can find some remains, such as cave paintings in the areas of “Lera” and “Las Batuecas”, natural spaces that form part of the Sierra de Francia.
It was not until the 12th and 13th centuries that the town began to flourish and its population increased, with the vast majority of these settlers coming from France, hence the name of the mountain range in which this beautiful village is located.
You may ask yourself, but what is the village like? Well, it’s important to say that its architecture is a harmonious blend of the cultures that have passed through over the centuries, and which have given a final shape to a network of streets and nooks and crannies that offer a beautiful picture.
One point that you cannot miss is its “Plaza Mayor”, one of the most photographed, and no wonder, since its facades with double balconies and arcades are supported by granite columns together with its central transept form a set worthy of admiration.
After a nice stroll through its beautiful streets, you might get a little hungry. Would you like to know what is the typical thing you can eat in “La Alberca”?
Its gastronomy is related to the land, as the production of its most typical products is intertwined with it. One of the star dishes is the "cabrito cochifrito", which consists of a previous marinade with aromatic herbs that gives it an exceptional flavour.
You can also try a wide variety of Iberian sausages or its famous "hornazo", a pie filled with any of these sausages, and end the meal with a good typical dessert such as "perrunillas" or its exquisite homemade nougat.
In addition to its gastronomy and artisan products, another economic driving force is tourism, especially rural tourism, which has a wide range of different types of accommodation to suit all tastes, but, of course, emphasising the tranquillity that this place offers to escape from the noise and stress of the big cities, leaving any traveller who decides to stay here totally enamoured.
No! You can't leave “La Alberca “without discovering the spectacular places around it.
The “Sierra de Francia” mountain range is its setting and, together with “Las Batuecas”, forms an extensive natural park. Its most outstanding peak is the “Peña de Francia, where the image of the “Virgen de la Peña” was found, making the village a place of pilgrimage.
This beautiful park is a place where nature lovers will enjoy themselves to the full in an environment full of very diverse flora and fauna, embellished by small chapels and churches that are scattered in different areas throughout its length.
