Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Trabanca
The town and municipality of Trabanca is situated in a favourable location on the northern border of the province of Salamanca, with a significant portion of its territory encompassed by the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. It is one of the most frequented access points to the protected area.
As is the case in numerous other locations along this stretch of the Duero, stelae have been discovered in the vicinity of the urban centre, providing evidence of the Roman presence in the area. The discovery of some remains of terracotta, pottery and millstones indicates the existence of small military communities prior to the establishment of Roman rule. During the Middle Ages, Trabanca may have been a mere Christian community vassal to the feudal nobility or the clergy of Ledesma, where rye was the main crop. A 1510 census revealed a population of barely 10 inhabitants.
The inhabitants of Trabán continue to derive their livelihoods from the primary sector, although this has been augmented by the emergence of tourism. Despite experiencing a significant decline in its population over the past century, Trabanca has managed to maintain a certain degree of activity, largely due to the influx of visitors who come to appreciate the surrounding natural environment. The rural economy has experienced a period of growth in recent times, largely because of the tourism provided by Trabanca. The region boasts several monuments and places of interest that are worthy of further exploration. As well as being a gateway to the heart of the Arribes del Duero and one of the municipalities surrounding the gigantic Almendra reservoir, Trabanca is committed to its cultural assets, especially following the recreation of a theme park of traditional Arribes architecture. Among the constructions reproduced are chiviteros, washhouses, pigsties, bridges, walls, gates, fountains, crankshafts and farmhouses, all built with the characteristic granite stone of the Salamanca sub-region of La Ramajería.
A little further away from the park, as they are vestiges of a bygone era with a clear function, in Trabanca we can mention the fountain La Alameda, which is on the way heading towards Villarino de los Aires. The village boasts the remains of a forge from more than 200 years ago, which is in the centre of the village. Furthermore, the village is home to a plethora of civil and private structures, which have been constructed in the typical style of the traditional architecture that is prevalent in the region. The town hall, tourist office and church dedicated to Nuestra Señora de La Asunción, rebuilt in the 16th century, are in the main square. The interior of the church houses an image of the Virgen del Carmen.
Trabanca celebrates its two big days on 16 July and 12 September. Both are dedicated to their patron saint, the Virgen del Carmen, although the big week is the one that takes place during the days around 12 September. There is a proclamation, a huge paellada, tute, mus and petanca championships, music and dancing for several days and, of course, the floral offering and the procession in honour of the Virgen del Carmen.