Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Masueco
The next municipality encountered after crossing the river Uces is Masueco, situated on the left bank of the river Duero. After 2.5 km, the only village in the municipality, also known as Masueco de La Ribera, is reached.
The area is encircled by the picturesque Arribes del Duero Natural Park, which boasts a multitude of hiking trails leading to the impressive Pozo de los Humos waterfalls and the Cascada del Pinero waterfall. In the latter case, it is possible to have on a guided tour behind the water curtain. The favourable circumstances have led to a considerable expansion of the rural housing market, accompanied by the growth of a comprehensive service sector that is largely dependent on tourism. However, historically, the inhabitants of Masuecán have dedicated themselves entirely to agricultural pursuits, including the rearing of livestock and the cultivation of crops.
Masueco was established during the period of the Reconquest and subsequent repopulation of the Kingdom of León. The region of Vitigudino was characterised by the arrangement of many small villages near one another, in accordance with the Galician model of repopulation. This situation, over the years, resulted in the disappearance and abandonment of numerous settlements, although Masueco was one of the few that maintained a stable and prosperous population. It is regrettable that the demographic projection has declined significantly in recent decades, with the population reduced to less than a third of its level during the first half of the 20th century.
Although Masueco's natural heritage is its principal draw, the festivities and traditional buildings contribute to a more diverse and richer cultural offer for visitors.
The parish church of San Nicolás de Bari, an Elizabethan Gothic edifice erected in the 17th century by the Lanestosa family, stands in the centre of the village, adjacent to the town hall. The church is believed to have been constructed on the site of a 16th-century castle, and it is said that a legend exists regarding the tower. It is said that bandits attempted to loot the tower, but found the door locked and were unable to leave until they left the loot in its place and asked Saint Nicholas for forgiveness. In addition to the larger sanctuaries, there are several smaller ones located within the municipality itself. These include the chapel of San Roque, the chapel of Santa Catalina, the chapel of San Amado, and the chapel of Las Ánimas, which is now known as the chapel of Cristo del Humilladero. The architectural heritage is completed by other civil structures such as the Lavaderos de la Fontanica and the Pilar el Cachón. However, it should be noted that there are numerous private houses that conceal various details that may be appreciated by the most discerning eye.
In terms of festivities, Masueco celebrates its major events during the Fiestas del Toro and San Bernardo, which take place in the days leading up to 21 August. In addition to organising a series of sporting events, the municipal government also engages the services of musical ensembles and processions. However, none of these activities is as eagerly anticipated as the annual bullfighting festival, which takes place in the town square. The lesser festivities, which take place on 3 May, are held in honour of the Holy Cross. In this more solemn and emotional celebration, the people of Masueca proceed to the chapel of Cristo del Humilladero in a procession enlivened by folkloric musical groups and presided over by the stewards appointed for the year.