Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Gamones
The village of Gamones is a small community with a traditional Sagayo charm. The municipality is situated in the south of the province of Zamora, near the natural border of the River Duero with Portugal. The confluence of the streams of La Saz and Rita Portilla occurs within the municipality, where it is home to a diverse array of ethnological, cultural, and natural heritage of significant local value.
The municipality of Gamones has a history that is intertwined with that of the ancient Romans, given that the Mirandesa road, which connected Zamora and Miranda do Douro, passed through this town. To commemorate this significant Roman thoroughfare, one of its principal roads was named La Calzada. This route subsequently became associated with an ancestral practice, transhumance. The region is intimately connected to agricultural and pastoral livestock farming. These traditional activities have been maintained to this day, coexisting with other occupations such as handicrafts and rural tourism.
Another intriguing aspect of its historical background is the etymology of the name Gamones. It appears to derive from the medicinal plant gamón. The plant is a perennial herb that was introduced in Sayago in the 12th century with the arrival of the Catholic order of the Cistercians on the plateau.
Gamones is a location that encourages visitors to embark on a leisurely exploration of its surrounding area, with the objective of appreciating the historical and cultural heritage assets that are situated in the vicinity of the town. The wells, which represent the enigmatic fountains of traditional Sayaguesa architecture, and the restored colt that was used to shoe the farm animals that accompanied the gamoneros are noteworthy features. Additionally, near the Saz stream, one may observe the remnants of ancient flour mills, designated as aceñas. Some of these structures have undergone restoration and are in a state of good repair.
A visit to the northernmost region of the municipality, following the Peña Pedrina Way, will allow the visitor to view the Santa Olaya Chapel or the Santa Eulalia Chapel. The structure is a modest ecclesiastical edifice, constructed on a single level, with a two-slope roof and a tall belfry. Of particular interest are the chromatic details on the braces of the chapel that serve as a roof, the intriguing mural paintings on the front wall, the 16th-century Christ, and an unusual wheel of bells that hangs on one of the walls.
The church of the Purísima Concepción is a prominent feature in the centre of the village. This religious edifice has undergone several restoration projects, with particular focus on the 18th century. The roof has been recently restored. The church contains a 13th-century statue of the Virgin Mary with her son Jesus. The church houses a delicate 17th-century image of the Pietà and some magnificent mural paintings located at the beginning of the nave and in the triumphal arch. However, these have suffered from the passage of time.
The festivities in Gamones are held on 25 April in honour of San Marcos, with a pilgrimage to the chapel of Santa Eulalia. On 13 June, the festivities are held in honour of San Antonio. Finally, in October, the festivities are held in honour of the patron saint of Spain, the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception.