Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Villarán
The name Villalazán is derived from the Latin term villa, which means "country house," and the Arabic anthroponym Al-Hassan. It is a municipality and locality in the Tierra del Vino region of Zamora, situated on the left bank of the Duero River. The municipality is located on a small hill that forms the boundary of the floodplain of the mighty river.
Furthermore, the frequent flooding that occurred in the area compelled the inhabitants of Villalazán to relocate to their present site in the 19th century. Consequently, Villalazán was constructed with a distinctive layout, featuring streets arranged perpendicularly and houses grouped in almost perfect quadrilaterals. This contrasts with the older towns, which have evolved their urban planning in an irregular manner. The village square is situated at the geographical centre of Villalazán, near the church, which is dedicated to San Blas, and the town hall. The church is also distinctive, differing from the typical Romanesque naves found in Zamora. The exterior of the edifice is painted yellow with red accents and features a stone image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus flanked by two bell towers. The main entrance is distinguished by two columns, which were sourced from the monastery of the Jerónimos in the capital of Zamora.
Two kilometres from the village, heading twowards Villaralbo, next to the road, is one of the most extensive Roman sites in the province, known as Valcuevo, Los Castros and El Alba. The remains, unearthed in 1992, are dated to the 1st century BC and are believed to be from the Late Imperial period. Several researchers specialising in the study of this site have put forward the hypothesis that it is the city of Albocela. However, there are also those who believe that it may have been the buildings belonging to the very same Ocello Durii, the present-day Zamora. The site has yielded evidence of a Roman military encampment, which may have been the original settlement of a legion. The most well-preserved remains are those of the Roman baths, which are protected from the elements by a metal structure and open to visitors who wish to learn more about this Roman legacy.
On 3 February, the village of Villalazán commemorates San Blas with a procession through the streets of the village, during which an image of the holy Turkish bishop is carried. Subsequently, between May and June, the inhabitants of Villalacinas and Villalacinos embark on a traditional pilgrimage to the Virgen del Aviso, where they join other devotees from Moraleja del Vino, Madridanos, Bamba, Sanzoles, Arcenillas, Casaseca de las Chanas, Gema and Villaralbo. Furthermore, during the third week of August, a cultural week is also held, during which theatrical performances, tapas tasting, open-air dances and fun activities for children are presented.