You will not find it on the tourist map of the big cities or on the busiest routes, but yes: this Extremaduran town save among its streets one of the best preserved Jews in Spain. In turn, the layout of its alleys and the architecture of their homes make it a unique example of a historical legacy that still survives.
It is not a city, not even a medium city, but a town that contains centuries of history and remained oblivious to the rush of time.
What is the Extremaduran town that keeps one of the best preserved Jews in Spain?
In the heart of Ambroz Valleywithin the province of Cáceresthere is an Extremaduran town that went unnoticed by many.
We are talking on this occasion of Brissthe most populated municipality in this natural region and exercises as its main administrative and commercial center. With something More than 4,000 inhabitantsthe town is characterized by a mountain environment, rivers and a marked cultural identity.
Hervás’s climate is soft continental, with cold winters and hot summers, which conditions its vegetation and outdoor activities. The Villa, which was part of the municipality of Béjar until 1816, It was not integrated into the province of Cáceres until 1833.
Thus, the current delimitation allowed the development of its own identity that It is reflected in its urban heritage and its customs.
How is the unique Jewish of this Extremaduran town?
One of Hervás’s most significant aspects is his Jewry, One of the best preserved in the country. Located in the lower part of the urban nucleus, next to the Ambroz River, this neighborhood He was born from the fifteenth century with the arrival of families of Jewish origin.
The framework of its streets remains in its origins: narrow alleys, white facades, wooden balconies and houses Adobe with two waters.
This neighborhood was declared historical-artistic set in 1969. Its structure responds to a medieval organization, with passages, pronounced slopes and irregular apples. The Network of Jewish in Spain includes Briss for the integrity of its urban complex.
What places can be visited in Hervás?
Two constructions stand out within the religious heritage of the Extremaduran people: The Church of Santa María de Aguas Vivas and that of San Juan Bautista.
- Church of Santa María: Erected at the highest point of the municipality, in the old location of a medieval castle, this Church has a classicist style cover with manierist elements. Its situation allows you to obtain panoramic views of the valley and the historic center.
- YoGlesia de San Juan Bautista: Integrated in the old trinitarian convent, this 17th -century church guardianship baroque altarpieces of high artistic quality. His facade reminds the church of San Nicolás in Valladolid.
On the other hand, the Dávila Palacein a baroque style, it currently houses the Enrique Pérez Comandador sculptor museum. This space also shows her wife’s works, the painter Madeleine Leroux Morel. The City Hall occupies a construction of the seventeenth century which originally worked as a nursing of a Franciscan convent.
Another outstanding cultural space is the Motorcycle Museum and Classic Carpioneer in its kind in Europe, with a private collection of historical vehicles and a singular architectural design.
How is the nature that surrounds Hervás?
For the most venture, the natural environment that surrounds Hervás is diverse and lends itself to hiking and other outdoor activities.
- Heidi track: Demanding route of 20 kilometers that crosses Castañares, Robledales and Pinares until reaching high levels of the Sierra.
- Chiquita Fuente Bridge: Of medieval origin, it maintains its original structure.
- Iron Bridge: Formerly part of a train track, today it is part of the Ruta de la Plata Verde.
- La Chorrera: Water jump accessible on foot on a walk of an hour and a half.
- Brown Galician Castañar: declared protected landscape, with three routes that cross it.
The local culture and traditional events of Hervás
From 1997 The Converts daysa historical recreation that revives coexistence between Jews and Christians before 1492. Every year a different work is represented, such as The Hervás or Pact star between Ladiesassemblies with local participation and national recognition.
The patron saint festivities of the Christ of Health in September and the August Fair are other important appointments. In both, there is no lack of the appearance of the “fire bull”, a typical festive tradition of the area.
For its part, the kitchen of this Extremaduran town has Sephardic, Arab and livestock influences. Among the traditional dishes are:
- Chanfaina
- Extremadura crumbs.
- Potatoes in pickle.
- Lamb boiler.
- Matanza products.
- Conventive pastry such as pestiños, dogs and hornazo.
Local ingredients include Iberian pig, veal, lamb, cheeses, cakes, cherries and honeyall with denomination of origin of Extremadura.
