Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Morales
Morales is a small town in the municipality of Berlanga de Duero in the province of Soria.
The Atalaya de Vadorrey, situated to the north of the town centre, is located on the banks of the Duero, adjacent to an ancient uninhabited settlement of the same name. Vadorrey is referenced in the Cantar del Mio Cid as a point of interest along the route taken by his daughters on their journey to Valencia. It is said that the residents of this uninhabited village were poisoned to death by water from a spring. It is also reported that the village was destroyed by termites.
To the southeast of Morales is the Cerro de la Torre or Cerro de la Muela, which is crowned by the Torre de Morales. The tower, which was visually connected to the fortress of Gormaz, has now been reduced to ruins.
The environment of Morales is highly diverse, with a rich history and a variety of ecosystems. One notable feature is the presence of juniper groves, which are home to several centenarian specimens, including the Sabina de la Pica, a majestic tree that stands at 18 m in height and has a 8.70 m base. This impressive tree is believed to be over 400 years old.
The church of La Degollación de San Juan Bautista is a prominent feature in the centre of the village. The temple still retains a Romanesque-style doorway, although it is currently protected by a more modern structure formed by a semicircular arch. The church has a Romanesque baptismal font that has been lavishly decorated with gallons.
The Moraleños, also known as "gatos", have a strong tradition of artisan winemaking and celebrate their patron saint festivities at the end of August, on the 29th and 30th, in honour of San Juan Bautista. During this period, it is typical to burn a falla known as "el Pajarón" and share a good plate of "caldereta" (stew).