Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Pereña de la Ribera
Pereña de la Ribera, which translates as "the balcony of Las Arribes," is a town situated on the left bank of the Duero River in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. Its hills offer impressive viewpoints, which has led to it being known as "the balcony of Las Arribes." The town's name is derived from the anthroponym Pere, which means "Peter," and the suffix -eño, which means "of the place.”
The geographical location and the microclimate offered by the valleys adjoining the canyon formed by the Duero have contributed to the long-standing commitment of Pereña de la Ribera to quality winegrowing and the cultivation of fruit trees such as almonds (Prunus dulcis) and olives (Olea europaea). More recently, the town has become a focus for tourism, with its rich and thriving natural heritage, formed above all by its viewpoints and waterfalls.
The distinctive territory of Pereña de la Ribera has been inhabited since at least 12,000 years ago, despite its geographical isolation and the poor quality of the soil. This is evidenced by the cave paintings of Palla Rubia, which date back to the Palaeolithic period. The presence of the Vetons is also corroborated by the existence of the Castro of El Berrocal, where the Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Castillo is situated. This archaeological site provides tangible evidence of the presence of this Celtic people. The presence of Arab place names in the area indicates that the local population coexisted with the Muslims. However, it was precisely during the Reconquest and the repopulation of León that Pereña was founded between the 10th and 11th centuries as part of the council of Ledesma. Since that time, the inhabitants of the municipality have derived their livelihood from the livestock and crops of the peneplain of La Ribera. However, the advent of new economic models at the beginning of the 20th century prompted many of them to seek more prosperous and industrialised areas, thereby initiating the process of depopulation of the municipality.
As is the case with most neighbouring villages, the cultural heritage of Pereña de la Ribera is profoundly shaped by the granite deposits that emerge in Las Arribes. Granite was used in the construction of terraces on the slopes, walls, fountains and a variety of other buildings, including the Parish Church of Santa María, erected in the sixteenth century and featuring a belfry that has been repeatedly rebuilt due to damage sustained during thunderstorms. This architectural style, which originated in the past, continues to be prevalent in the present day. The municipal pelota court, which was constructed in 1931, still features this type of stone on its smooth wall. The Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Castillo, also known as Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, is situated 3.5 km from the town centre of Pereña. The name of the hill is derived from the ancient fortress that was located there. According to legend, an image of Our Lady of the Angels, hidden from the Muslim invaders in 711, was recovered in the 14th century.
On 14 May, the inhabitants of Pereña embark on a pilgrimage to the chapel of Nuestra Señora del Castillo. Following the religious liturgy, those present are invited to partake in a feast of lupins, olives and sangria. Nevertheless, the celebrations in honour of the patron saint are held on the first weekend of September, around the 8th of the same month, in commemoration of Our Lady of the Angels. The festivities, which span several days, effectively compress the final days of summer, encompassing a plethora of activities. These include the consumption of food and wine, participation in popular games, musical performances, and dancing. Additionally, a night-time "capea" with heifers is a notable feature.