16th-century Renaissance church with Talavera tile altarpieces.
Municipality
Valdastillas
Suggested visit time
Not available
Access
Mixed
The Church of Our Lady of Santa María de Gracia is the main parish church of Valdastillas and was built in the 16th century. The structure is made of masonry reinforced with granite ashlar blocks and features a main entrance with a semicircular arch topped by the coat of arms of Bishop Gutiérrez de Vargas Carvajal. The origins of the church are linked to the medieval village of Ojalvo, which no longer exists today. Inside, the church houses two remarkable 16th-century Talavera tile altarpieces, commissioned by bishops of the Diocese of Plasencia. The building is one of the most important historical and cultural landmarks in Valdastillas.
Address
Casco histórico de Valdastillas (Cáceres)
The church is located in the upper part of Valdastillas, along Calle de la Iglesia, and can be reached on foot from the central square and the main streets of the village via sloping paths typical of a mountain settlement. Visitors arriving by car can access the village from the valley road, park near the center, and walk up to the church through the narrow streets.
The church can be visited throughout the year, adapting to worship schedules and local festivities such as those dedicated to Santa Lucía and the Cristo del Humilladero. Spring and summer are especially pleasant times to combine the visit with walks through the village and its surroundings, while in autumn and winter it is advisable to consider the colder mountain climate.
BAJA
Resource access level
It is recommended to visit the interior when open to appreciate the ceramic altarpieces and the architectural details of the presbytery, always respecting the religious nature of the building. Comfortable footwear is advisable due to the sloping streets, and the visit can be combined with nearby sites such as the Cristo del Humilladero hermitage or the Garganta de Marta area.
Access streets include slopes and sections of pavement that may become slippery in rain or frost, so caution is advised when walking and it is preferable not to drive directly up to the church entrance. Opening hours may be limited outside of religious services, so it is advisable to check availability in advance or ask locally for the best visiting times.