Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Guma
The tranquil village of Guma is situated on the verdant banks of the Duero River in the south of the province of Burgos. Guma is situated 15 km from Aranda de Duero and forms part of the hamlet of La Vid y Zuzones. The village has a relatively short lifespan, linked to its environment of crops and fertile lowlands.
The origins of this village can be traced back to an old farm called "La Vid y Guma", which was home to a hamlet comprising 13 tenant families. The population was relatively small and dedicated to farming. However, for various reasons, many of them left the estate.
The situation changed because of Franco's water policy in the 1940s and 1950s, which involved the construction of numerous reservoirs and dams. The implementation of these plans resulted in the eviction of numerous villages and the flooding of surrounding areas. Consequently, the National Colonisation Institute was responsible for relocating families to new settlements, as in the case of Guma. The State bought the estate, and 42 houses were built, which would end up being occupied by the inhabitants of towns that had disappeared from Guadalajara and Cuenca due to the construction of the Entrepeñas and Buendía reservoir, as well as from Segovia, Valladolid and other provinces.
The village has a long history of educational provision, with schools, houses for teachers, a rectory, a sheepfold for shepherds, an oven and a washing place. The area also boasts some wine cellars and a wine press. During the Franco era, a house of education was also established for the "Sección Femenina" (Women's Section).
The houses have a similar appearance, with whitewashed façades and green balconies. This design was incorporated into several villages as part of the National Colonisation Institute's development plans. The village is primarily serviced by two major thoroughfares leading to the Iglesia Parroquial de San Norberto, the village church. The building is situated in the town's main square, with views over the Duero River and its distinctive bell tower, topped by a cross, which is a prominent feature. The property is a modern building that has been used for several christenings and weddings.
The property also boasts a viewing point offering unparalleled views of the Duero River, the Monastery of La Vid and the Guma mini-hydroelectric power station. This turn-of-the-century engineering company presents a unique architectural feature in the form of an arched structure and an 8-metre high raw waterfall. The average flow rate is 35 m3/s, with a power of 2,800 kVA. Once the water has been extracted, it is transported to either the Guma Canal or the Aranda Canal for irrigation purposes.
To the north of the town, there is another modern mining export operation. The mine is an aggregate operation that uses the sands and gravels transported and deposited by the Duero River to obtain its resources. It is worth noting the attractive setting of the area, which benefits from the river and a natural environment characterised by agriculture and the extraction of resin from resin pine trees. The Mediterranean mountain forests are home to holm oaks and junipers. The Cueva del Búho, situated among these trees, comprises two large hollows that welcome visitors and offer a spectacular panoramic view from inside. The cave is also of ecological importance as it serves as a refuge for some species, including martens, wild cats, eagle owls and genets.
When the village was first established, there was no single local festival. Instead, each family brought their own festival from their place of origin. However, over time, the feast dedicated to San Norberto, celebrated around 6 and 9 June, became firmly established. The celebrations include dances, games, processions, holy masses, orchestras and vermouth sessions.