Traditional fountain with a legend on the old Royal Path between Navaconcejo and Piornal.
Municipality
Piornal
Suggested visit time
Not available
Access
On foot
Fuente Matafraile is a traditional spring located along the historic Camino Real route that connects Navaconcejo with the village of Piornal. It lies on the PR-CC 12 hiking trail that leads toward the Calderón Waterfall, just before the final stone-paved ascent to Piornal. The spring is associated with a local legend that tells of a friar who died after drinking very cold water following a strenuous climb, giving rise to the name “Matafraile,” meaning “friar killer.” In memory of this story, local residents built the fountain at this location. The structure features a traditional stone design and includes a small trough that was historically used for watering livestock.
Address
Camino Real entre Navaconcejo y Piornal, sendero PR-CC 12 (Cáceres)
Access to Fuente Matafraile is on foot via the PR-CC 12 Los Llanos-Calderón trail, which links Navaconcejo and Piornal following the old Royal Path. In the final uphill section towards Piornal, after passing the Calderón Waterfall and the Molinos bridge along the Viña path, the fountain is reached before the last cobbled ascent leading to the entrance of the village.
The PR-CC 12 trail and Fuente Matafraile can be visited throughout the year, with spring and autumn being especially recommended due to higher water flow in the streams and milder temperatures. In summer, it is advisable to avoid the central hours of the day due to heat, while in winter conditions such as cold, rain or fog may affect the mountain area.
MEDIA
Resource access level
It is recommended to visit the fountain as part of the PR-CC 12 hiking route, wearing suitable footwear, carrying additional water and appropriate clothing for mid-mountain conditions. Visitors should take time to read the interpretive panel and use the area as a rest stop, always respecting the environment and responsible water use.
The trail includes elevation changes and sections of cobbled path and mountain track, making it unsuitable for people with reduced mobility or without experience in moderate hikes. In rainy periods, the ground may become slippery and water flow in streams and gorges may increase, so extra caution is required near the waterfall and the fountain itself.