The best MTB trails around Casasola

Manqueospese Castle, also known as "Althoughospese," is located in the municipality of Mironcillo, Ávila, at an altitude of 1,360 meters, overlooking the Amblés Valley. This castle is an example of a European mountain fortress, with strong walls adapted to the rocky terrain. Construction of the castle began in the 15th century by the Dávila family and was completed by Esteban Dávila in the 16th century. The castle is surrounded by legends, including stories of unrequited love and rivalries between knights. Its name, "Manqueospese," is said to come from the expression "although it weighs on you," which is related to these legends. From its privileged position, the castle offers stunning views of the Amblés Valley and the walls of Ávila. Although it is currently in ruins, restoration and cleaning work are underway.

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in El Fresno is a religious building that occupies one of the sides of the town's Plaza Mayor. Built in the 19th century, it was consecrated in 1803 under the dedication of Our Lady of the Assumption. This church replaced a previous parish temple, dedicated to Our Lady of Galindos, which was located away from the urban center. Although its exterior appearance is simple, with ashlars and a brick belfry, its interior offers a reconstructed space with a flat plastered ceiling. On the west side, the belfry stands out with three openings for bells. The temple houses free-standing images, such as a wooden Crucified from the 17th-18th centuries and a Virgin and Child from 1867. The latter, the work of drawing professor Ramón Álvarez, is appreciated for the joyful expression of the Child. If you have the opportunity, I invite you to visit this church full of history and devotion. 🙏🌟

The hermitage, built in granite stone, flint and brick masonry, consists of three naves. On the main altar, where the image of Sonsoles is located, a ribbed vault rises. Although its predominant style is baroque, it also presents Gothic elements due to renovations and reconstructions over time. The current hermitage was the work of Martín de Solózano in the 15th century, who was commissioned to demolish the previous building. The image of Our Lady of Sonsoles, created and hidden before the Muslim invasion, has been venerated since the 13th century. Illustrious personalities of Spain, such as Saint Teresa of Jesús and the painter Valeriano Domínguez Becquer, have visited this sanctuary. Even the then infante Don Juan Carlos de Borbón visited it in 1960. If you ever have the opportunity, I recommend visiting this place full of history and devotion. 🙏🌟

A few kilometers south of the old city you reach the Sanctuary. The building that remains today dates back to the 15th century and replaces an older monastery that was located on this land. There is a nice picnic area for you to rest and eat something outdoors before heading back to town.

Leaving the river landscape you reach the center of the town and you can rest in the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, from the 19th century.

Along the way you reach the ruins of a medieval settlement, with building stones scattered on the ground of which only the main arch of a church remains standing.

According to legend, the castle would be built by Don Raimundo, to communicate with his beloved Doña Guiomar, locked in the balcony that crowns the door of the Rastro (in Ávila, access through the Dávila house), given the prohibition of her father. for the couple to continue their love affairs. Given the paternal attitude, Don Raimundo exclaimed: "I'll see her manqueospese" or "I'll see her even though she weighs", and it was then that he built his castle, from which he apparently communicated with his beloved Guiomar.

Population that is located at the foot of the northern side of the Sierra de Panamera and that on one of its sides is the Castillo de Manqueospese. As it is surrounded by mountains, as soon as you get up, you can see the entire core.