Mogarraz is one of the most interesting destinations in the province of Salamanca. Simply walking through its streets reveals hidden treasures and captivating stories that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
The municipality forms part of the Sierra de Francia region, famous for its spectacular landscape which is protected by the Batuecas and Sierra de Francia Natural Park.
Having developed in relative isolation for a large part of its history, the culture, architecture and traditions of the village give us a glimpse into Spain’s past. This unique character is generating tourism in the area.
What to see in Mogarraz? With history on display inside the village (which has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site) and the glory of nature outside, there’s plenty to enjoy.
A stroll through the streets will leave you in doubt as to why this place is known as the Village of a Thousand Faces. The varied façades of the houses feature wooden balconies as well as carved stonework and images of the inhabitants.
How many of these portraits are there in Mogarraz? Just shy of 1,000, there are around 800 photographs of faces displayed on the buildings of the village. Why? The story goes that the townspeople needed photographs for their identity cards and a photographer was hired to come to the village and do the job. The negatives were saved and, years later, someone had the idea of exhibiting them on the houses. Not only did the inhabitants like the idea, it has caught the interest of many visitors as well.
In addition to this unique feature, Mogarraz has plenty to discover. The parish church of the patron saint Our Lady of the Snows is one of them. The fiestas of the village are held in her honour in August.
You should also wander through the Plaza Mayor, which hosts an open-air market on weekends. Local produce and handicrafts are available to buy, with the local jewellery and embroidery standing out for their quality. The plaza is also the place to learn about these traditional crafts, in the Ethnographic and Artesanal Museum.
The hermitage of the Humilladero is another highlight in the zone, but if you’re more interested in the natural surroundings, you can take the Camino del Agua (the Way of the Water). It’s a circular route of 9 kilometres that follows the course of a creek on a wooden walkway, crossing it on two charming bridges - the Pontón Bridge and the Bridge of the Mills.
One of the most fascinating traditional celebrations in the village is the running of San Antón’s Pig, when a pig is let loose in the streets and the townsfolk try to catch it.
Getting here is fairly simple by car as the roads are good and the signs are clear. In fact, the drive from the city of Salamanca to Mogarraz takes little more than an hour.
Do you know what Mogarraz means? It’s a term for a plantation, referring to the traditional way of life here.
You’ll find out about all that and more if you stay for a few days. We recommend that you rent a holiday cottage in the village or a nearby settlement such as La Alberca. You can find properties with swimming pools, jacuzzis and many other services that will make your trip extra special.
