In the south of Salamanca province, at the very heart of the Las Batuecas-Sierra de Francia Biosphere Reserve, lies one of the most unusual hiking spots in all of Castile and León. This is not just a path winding among centuries-old trees, but an entire open-air gallery, where every turn reveals something beautiful. The circular route, with a length that can be adjusted from six to twelve kilometers depending on your pace and preference, is rated as easy. It’s ideal for those seeking a leisurely connection with nature, where human creativity is seamlessly woven into the landscape.
This route, known as “Asentadero-Bosque de los Espejos,” invites you to see the familiar landscape from a completely new perspective. The creators’ idea was for visitors to feel inextricably linked to this world. Among mighty oaks, chestnuts, and ferns, works by local and regional artists suddenly appear—reflections of the very soul of this place. Here, a door leads straight into the thicket; there, a house hugs a tree trunk as if in brotherhood; elsewhere, stone-carved owls or words hover in the air between branches. Each piece compels you to pause, look closer, and reflect on the delicate connection between civilization and the wilderness.
The journey begins in San Martín del Castañar, a historic town that has preserved its unique mountain architecture. Its main gem is a medieval castle, which now houses the Biosphere Reserve Interpretation Center. From here, a path leads travelers to Sequeros, known as the “Balcony of the Sierra.” This town prides itself on the León Felipe Theater and the Iglesia del Robledo, with its impressive Mudejar-style ceiling. Along the stretch leading to the next destination, the landscape changes, revealing well-tended gardens, vineyards, and olive groves. Here you can see one of the most symbolic works—a metal tree adorned with golden letters hanging from its branches, as if the forest itself is trying to share a message.
Las Casas del Conde is the smallest of the three villages, but no less charming. It is renowned for its unique microclimate, which causes the cherry trees in this part of the Sierra de Francia to bloom before anywhere else. Wandering its streets, you’ll also find remarkable creations: purple butterflies assembled from screws, or faces carved into old wooden planks. A local resident, Amador Hernández, has turned his own home into a unique exhibition, displaying in his yard sculptures carved from olive trees that capture the imagination of every passerby. Ultimately, this is more than just outdoor physical activity—it is a deep immersion into a world where creativity transforms the surroundings, making them timeless in the eyes of those who behold them.
