Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Badilla
Badilla is situated within an extensive bocage landscape within the Zamorano-Salmantina peneplain. The Sayago village is situated within the municipality of Fariza, approximately 3 km away. Of particular interest in this village is the local stream of La Mimbre, the mills and bridges that stand on the banks, the local church and the farmhouse of traditional Sayago construction.
The name Badilla is derived from the Latin word "ford", as the town is situated along the Duero riverbed and was a crossing point to reach Miranda.
The town has experienced significant economic growth and stability, in part due to its strong agricultural sector. There is evidence that in this practice there was a policy of collectivism among the peasants that allowed them to progress together. One method of implementing this process was through the distribution of communal land by lots, which in Sayago is referred to as the "flight." Another method was the distribution of firewood and other communal services to the locality. The legacy of the area is a network of fields and granite stone walls that encircle the town.
The principal ecclesiastical edifice in Badilla is the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Expectación, situated in the vicinity of the Mimbre stream. The building was erected during the Romanesque period on ashlar masonry in a single nave that underwent several modifications over time. The sanctuary is surmounted by a belfry comprising two bays and a gable roof, within which are housed two large bells. In the context of art, the most noteworthy aspect is the interior of the church, which features a series of impressive mural paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries. These frescoes are particularly popular, depicting Gospel scenes in which the Virgin Mary and the most venerated saints of the time are particularly prominent. The discovery of the remains was fortuitous, occurring in 1986 in the vicinity of the Gospel and the gable end.
Additionally, to the east, one may visit the San Leonardo Chapel, which has undergone renovation and adaptation to become the Badilla doctor's surgery. Throughout the modification, the belfry was removed, and new openings were created. Furthermore, the village boasts a plethora of heritage assets along the Mimbre stream. One notable example is the church bridge, a contemporary structure comprising seven spans. Next to it is one of the treasures of Badilla, the Fuente del Peral, a typical Sayago fountain made of granite, and two troughs. Continuing upstream, one will encounter a route that will reveal five interesting traditional flour mills, known as aceñas. Several of the facilities have undergone complete rehabilitation and are now operational.
The local festivities in Badilla occur on 18 August, although the municipality also celebrates on 7 January, when San Julián is venerated, and on 12 April, which is Easter Monday. Additionally, they participate in the Festival of the Processions, which is of Regional Tourist Interest, with their own Viriato Banner.