Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Castrofuerte
Located on the left bank of the River Esla, at 700 metres above sea level, Castrofuerte is a picturesque village in the municipality of Villaornate y Castro, in the province of León. This village, which borders Valencia de Don Juan to the north, combines a strategic location with a natural environment that invites you to discover its heritage.
The origins of Castrofuerte date back to the Bronze Age, some 3,500 to 3,100 years ago, as evidenced by the abundant ceramic fragments found in the area. The site of El Pelambre sits south of Villaornate, an essential reference point for the study of this period and the Visigothic period in the province of León. Remains from the Late Roman and Visigothic periods, together with the remains of ancient mills, confirm the continuity of a settlement with a marked agricultural vocation over the centuries.
Castrofuerte boasts a rich heritage that reflects its history. The Church of Santo Tomás, with a Latin cross plan, is the emblem of the village. Its stone tower, crowned by a brick structure added during a later restoration, reveals the different phases of the building's construction. Meanwhile, the traditional pigeon lofts and wine cellars, still present, evoke the ways of life of yesteryear, giving the village a rustic and authentic charm.
The identity of the locality is very present in its traditions. Every February 3rd, Castrofuerte celebrates its patron saint, San Blas, protector of the ravines, with a devout festival that unites the community and preserves its roots. This fervour, combined with its history, architecture and landscape, make Castrofuerte a destination that leaves an indelible mark on the heart of León.