Medieval abandoned settlement that represents the historical origin of Casas del Castañar.
Municipality
Casas del Castañar
Suggested visit time
Not available
Access
On foot
Asperillas, also known as La Asperilla or La Esperilla, is an abandoned historical settlement considered the original village from which the present-day town of Casas del Castañar developed. The site is located on the slopes near the Jerte River, within the foothills of the Sierra de San Bernabé. Historical references to the settlement date back to the Middle Ages, when it functioned as a small rural community based on agriculture, livestock farming and the use of natural resources from the valley. Medieval documents mention the area as a hunting ground during the reigns of Alfonso VIII and Alfonso XI, when the surrounding mountains were known for wildlife such as bears and wolves. Over time, several factors including poor sanitary conditions, diseases associated with humid environments and recurring epidemics caused the gradual relocation of inhabitants to higher and healthier areas of the mountain. This migration led to the formation of Casas del Castañar, which officially separated from the original settlement in 1566. During the Peninsular War in the early nineteenth century, the village of Asperillas was burned by French troops, accelerating its abandonment. Today the site preserves remains of stone walls, ruined houses and traces of religious structures, providing an important historical reference for understanding the origins of the municipality and the historical settlement patterns of the Jerte Valley.
Address
Entorno de la Sierra de San Bernabé, término municipal de Casas del Castañar (Valle del Jerte, Cáceres)
The abandoned settlement is included within the Asperillas Route, a cultural hiking itinerary designed by the CIMBRA Interpretation Center. The route starts from the surroundings of Casas del Castañar and follows old paths and landscapes linked to the origins of the municipality. Access is on foot, following marked signage and interpretive materials along the route.
Spring and autumn are the most suitable seasons to complete the Asperillas Route, when temperatures are mild and the landscape of the Sierra de San Bernabé is particularly attractive. In summer, it is advisable to avoid the central hours of the day, while in winter visitors should consider cold conditions and the possible presence of mud.
MEDIA
Resource access level
It is recommended to complete the route with proper hiking footwear, seasonal clothing, and sufficient water, ideally using the interpretive materials provided by the CIMBRA Interpretation Center to better understand the historical context. Visitors should approach the ruins with caution, avoid climbing on unstable walls, and respect any fencing or signage protecting the archaeological remains.
The structural remains of the abandoned settlement may be in poor condition, with collapsed walls and unstable elements, so it is important not to climb on the ruins or enter clearly deteriorated areas. The paths along the route may include slopes, loose stones, and mud after rainfall, requiring some hiking experience and careful walking.