Puntos de Interés
Culture
Calzada Romana Mirandesa
The Calzada Romana Mirandesa is one of the oldest roads in the province of Zamora. This section was established as a divergence from the existing road between Ocelo Durii (Zamora) and Bletisama (Ledesma) in Salamanca, which was destined for Miranda do Douro in neighbouring Portugal.
The current route of the Mirandesa Roman road was delineated in 1999 because of the research conducted by Evaristo Álvarez, who endeavoured to propose an itinerary as proximate as possible to the one utilized by Romans and locals. For approximately 60 km, in addition to the Zamora and Miranda de Duero, the road passes through the towns of Tardobispo, Pereruela, Arcillo, Abelón, Moral de Sayago and Torregamones. The route crosses a distinctive natural environment comprising meadows and riverbanks, situated near the left bank of the Duero River.
The remains of the ancient Roman road are indicated by signposts along the route, including the section that emerges in the vicinity of the village of Abelón. It is pertinent to note that, because of the passage of time, the Roman road has only retained a small number of sections of its original path. Many of the cobblestones that once formed part of the road are now buried beneath private properties, awaiting discovery.
Most of the road traverses the historic district of Sayago, which is one of the least densely populated in Spain. Nature is the main protagonist of the landscape which, as you go west, changes from the cereal fields of Tierra del Pan to pastures and crags, until you reach the Arribes del Duero nature reserve. The bucolic landscape is enhanced by the distinctive Sayago architectural style, characterised by the presence of fountains, doorways, transepts, curtains and buildings with faced masonry walls. These structures are constructed in a simple manner using only local stone.
The initial section of the Calzada Romana Mirandesa, situated in the first half of the route, encompasses up to six medieval bridges that span the various tributaries of the Duero River. The final structure is designated as Puente de la Albañeza. Its appearance evokes that of Roman bridges, although it is, in fact, a medieval construction. Its three pointed arches, formed by two arched spans, betray its true age.
The Puente de la Albañeza is between the villages of Arcillo and Abelón. It serves as an overpass, allowing pedestrians and vehicles to cross the Rivera de Fadoncillo and follow the route marked by the Calzada Romana Mirandesa.