Although there are times when we do not stop to think about the value of those areas that we have around us, in this article we will enforce the Route of the Forest of Mirrors . It is a circular path that runs through three of the most beautiful villages that we can find in Salamanca, specifically, in the Sierra de Francia . These are Las Casas del Conde, San Martín del Castañar and Sequeros .
The Forest of Mirrors Route
When we think of taking a route, we imagine a way to do sports, to walk through nature and to find a calm that big cities do not give us. Now, the Route of the Forest of Mirrors is not just another path. It is a journey that invites us to be part of a story. This is due not only to the magic of the color of nature, the greatness of the mountains or the wind that gives us indescribable smells, but also to all the elements that we find in it.
For example, in this place the trees come to life thanks to the caseño artist Amador Hernández , who finds a beauty and infinite stories where others only see wood. But that’s how magic works, based on a touch of the wand that others wake up without us noticing.
A fairytale place
Also, as if it were the story of “Alice in Wonderland”, on this route you can find doors in the middle of the field . Also immortal owls that observe each of our steps or mirrors that remind us of who we are along the way.
The moss shelters the stones throughout all the months of the year and the leaves fall on the ground as if they were the crumbs that Hansel and Gretel threw on the asphalt to be able to return home more easily. But the last thing we think about when doing this journey is to go back. The desire to discover, to observe and to enter this new world increases with each meter that we advance. And we all like to believe that impossible dreams can be fulfilled and get away from the real world for at least the nine kilometers that the journey measures. And, in this place, these wishes can come true.
Three towns linked by the path
As we have already mentioned previously, there are three peoples that are united through this path. They are Las Casas del Conde, San Martín del Castañar and Sequeros . The route can be started by any of them.
The Count’s Houses
Despite the fact that it is a still very unknown town, it is a town that has nothing to envy to other more touristy ones. If something gives us Las Casas del Conde are extraordinary landscapes throughout its entire route. The sound of the Francia River accompanies us in many areas of the town and the church of Santa Catalina and the hermitage of Humilladero conquer all its visitors. In addition, a must-see is the Calvary of the municipality. The three crosses are surrounded by chestnut, oak and olive trees. Without a doubt, a place that will captivate both believers and non-believers.
Of course, we cannot miss the Bar Las Escuelas, so called because it was the old school of the place . Now, this remodeled place is able to move us even to Valencia, with the tasting of exquisite paellas . We can also enjoy other spikes that will help us regain strength between section and section of the journey.
San Martin del Castañar
If there is a place that falls in love as soon as you enter it, it is San Martín del Castañar . Above all, it boasts of maintaining the mountain architecture along its streets, irregular streets that intertwine as if it were a labyrinth.
The river crosses the town , becoming the focus of tourists during the summer. In addition, with it, either in the afternoon or at night, citizens and strangers can enjoy the well-known chiringuito . This place can get to give unique moments through meetings between friends or, even, musicals.
Of course, we cannot forget its castle, from the 15th century , inside which is the Interpretation Center of the Sierra de Francia and Béjar Biosphere Reserve . This place will help us to better understand the landscape that surrounds us, its fauna, its flora and its customs. In addition, it hosts exhibitions by such important artists as Ramón Anteportalatina or Rosa Gómez .
Dryers
Finally, Sequeros . It is another of the most magical towns in the Sierra de Francia . Its streets, also faithful to the mountain architecture, keep hundreds of stories whose protagonists are the citizens of the place.
If there is something to envy regarding this town, it is the culture that it transmits. Activities such as music, plays, storytelling, cinema … take place at the Léon Felipe Theater of the municipality. The objective is the fight for the social, cultural, economic and educational revitalization of the rural world.
In Sequeros we can also see the Parroquia de la Virgen del Robledo or the Plaza del Altozano . Although we cannot forget the Mirador , from which we will witness the great wonders that are around.
