Valle del Jerte

A LITTLE HISTORY

The name of the river Jerte, and therefore also that of the region, comes from the Arab: "Xerit", a word that may have had two meanings: "narrow river" or "crystalline river". In this ancient form of the name of the river the gentile name has been taken: valxeritenses, which alternates indistinctly in its use with the most common jerteños, vallenses, or vallejerteños. In the year 1186, King Alfonso VIII of Castile founded the city of Plasencia on a previous settlement, in order to guarantee and ensure the possession of Gredos and the Valle del Jerte. The Vía de la Plata is established as the border between the Kingdom of León and the Crown of Castile, the Valle de Jerte being within the Castilian orbit, as is the district of Plasencia. In the history of Valle del Jerte, the protagonist has been the cherry, and with it a legend that speaks of a Russian czar who wanted to find a refuge for rest in the Jerte Valley and, so that his wife would not miss the snows of their land, decided to simulate them once a year through the cherry blossoms.

WHAT TO SEE IN THE VALLE DEL JERTE

Eleven municipalities make up the Valle del Jerte, being Cabezuela del Valle the capital of the region. They are mountain villages of medieval origin that preserve the charm of popular architecture, with its narrow streets and manor houses made of stone, adobe and wood, its flower balconies and water fountains. Valdastillas is constituted as a viewpoint over the valley, where its walls of reddish adobe and stone stand out. In Piornal is celebrated in mid-January one of the most unique festivals in our country: the Jarramplas, a character with mask, horns and colored ribbons that suffers the taunts and attacks with turnips of the neighbors. In Jerte you should not miss the Bueyes district, where you can still see the traditional houses that were saved from burning after the passage of the Napoleonic troops during the War of Independence in 1809. You also have to visit other towns, such as Tornavacas , Casas del Castañar or El Torno.

Photo Cabezuela del Valle (Wikipedia)

NATURAL HERITAGE

Although the cherry trees and their flowering seem to take all the prominence, the truth is that the Jerte Valley offers a great variety of flora and spectacular natural spaces to enjoy at any time of the year. Its holm oaks, oak groves, olive groves, gorges and numerous waterfalls and natural pools stand out, such as those found in the Garganta de los Infiernos Natural Reserve. Two of the most well-known and spectacular points of interest in the Garganta de los Infiernos are the area of ​​Los Pilones, with its giant pots, and the Chorrero de la Virgen, an impressive waterfall that can be seen from the Chorrero viewpoint. If you like active tourism, in Jerte Valley you can enjoy all the sports and activities you can imagine, such as hiking, 4x4 routes, canyoning, bird watching, climbing or mountain bike routes.

Photo Garganta de los Infiernos turismoextremadura.com

NATURAL HERITAGE

On your getaway to the Jerte Valley, we recommend the neighboring region of La Vera, which runs parallel to the Valley, at the foot of the Sierra de Gredos. Jaraíz de la Vera is the most important locality in the area, but there are other towns, such as Jarandilla or Pasarón, in which you will enjoy its culture and a rich cuisine typical of the area, starring paprika. Watered by the river Tiétar, it is also famous for its gorges and swimming areas. Do not forget to visit the Monastery of Yuste, which is part of the National Heritage, which was the place where Carlos V died. You also have to visit Plasencia, known as the Pearl of the North or the Pearl of the Valley. It presents a monumental historic center, fruit of its long history as a strategic enclave and one of the crossing points of the Ruta de la Plata. The Plaza Mayor, the Old and New Cathedrals, the Church of San Nicolás, the Church of San Pedro, the Palacio de los Monroy or the Palacio Episcopal stand out.

Photo Monastery of Yuste (turismoextremadura.com)

CHERRIES IN FLOWER

The geographical situation and the morphology of the Jerte Valley have made it worthy of its own microclimate, which sweetens the continental character that corresponds to it and attracts rainfall to this valley, where nature shows itself in all its splendor in every season of the year. In spring you should not miss the flowering of the cherry trees, which floods the fields of the valley with white color and produce a spectacle of a very singular ephemeral beauty. A visit that is completed with the activities of the Festival of National Tourist Interest Cherry Blossom, as well as making a tour of the towns of Valle del Jerte. In spring this sublime spectacle is contemplated and during the months of June and July its fruits are proven. And it is that you do not finish knowing the Jerte Valley if you do not know it in cerecera. It is the cherry fair, with a cultural, gastronomic and festive program around this precious fruit, which farmers collect after a year of effort.

GASTRONOMY

In the Valle del Jerte you can savor the delicious gastronomy of Caceres, with influences from Arab, Sephardic cuisine, pastoral and livestock life and convent confectionery, highlighting the products of the region, such as the pillory or cherry of Jerte. Of Roman roots is the taste for olive oil, wines and homemade liqueurs, and the salting of cod and meat. Cereals and legumes are the most important vegetable sources in the valley's kitchen. The leftover bread is never pulled, but it is used to prepare the delicious crumbs with paprika, the latter from the neighboring region of La Vera. Chickpeas and varied soups, gravies, potatoes, tomatoes, or garlic are also commonly eaten. We do not forget the Iberian ham, the plums, the trout garganoñas, the cheeses and the meats. Especially the pork, protagonist of the traditional slaughter. For dessert you should try some sweet with cherries, torrijas or chestnuts, which are called roasted calvotes.

Photos picotasjerte.com

WHERE TO SLEEP

Located in the urban center of Jerte, De Aldaca Rural is a house of the XIX century that has been rehabilitated and turned into a small charming cottage for adults only. They have respected its original elements, stone and chestnut wood, maintaining its authenticity and flavor of yesteryear. Each of its 5 rooms is named after a bird and has a careful decoration, attentive to small details. Highlights the stone wall of the Mirlo room, the colorful wallpaper, the ceiling beams or the frames of the mirrors. Some have a balcony or gazebo overlooking the Jerte Valley, ideal for this spring. On the other hand, the Cigüeña room is a junior suite with a sloping roof and an overhead window that allows you to see the stars. The house is completed with living room, dining room and a magnificent garden to relax outdoors.