Traditional washhouse in Valdastillas with multiple basins and washing slabs.
Municipality
Valdastillas
Suggested visit time
Not available
Access
On foot
“La Charca” is a historic public washhouse located in the upper part of the village of Valdastillas. For many years it served as a communal space where local women washed clothes using water channeled from nearby mountain streams. The structure contains several washing stations with stone slabs where clothes were scrubbed using homemade soap. The water flows through the washhouse and continues toward the Garganta de Marta waterfall, located about one kilometre away. The washhouse stands in a small square that still preserves the traditional architectural character of the Jerte Valley mountain villages.
Address
Parte alta del casco urbano de Valdastillas (Cáceres)
From the main square of Valdastillas, visitors can walk uphill through the village streets following local signs towards the La Charca washhouse, located in the upper part of the town. Access is on foot, and the washhouse is set within a small square surrounded by traditional houses.
It can be visited throughout the year as part of a walking route through Valdastillas, although spring and summer offer more pleasant conditions for exploring the village’s steep streets. In autumn, the surroundings are also particularly attractive due to the colours of nearby cherry orchards and forests.
BAJA
Resource access level
It is recommended to visit the washhouse as part of a walking itinerary through Valdastillas, combining it with the parish church, viewpoints and nearby gorges. Visitors should respect the site, keep it clean and remember that it forms part of the town’s collective heritage.
On rainy days or when the washhouse is very wet, the pavement and surrounding areas may be slippery, so caution is advised when walking. As it is located in a residential area, visitors should avoid disturbing local residents with noise or large gatherings.