What to see in Burgohondo, Ávila: Discover the Abbey, history and nature in the heart of Alto Alberche
In the heart of the Alto Alberche valley, between the Gredos and Paramera mountain ranges, lies Burgohondo, a municipality in the province of Ávila that preserves the essence of mountain villages and the charm of a privileged natural environment. Just 36 kilometres from the capital of Ávila and about 120 from Madrid, this town is one of the most attractive destinations in the region, both for its historical heritage and the beauty of its landscapes.
With just over 1,200 inhabitants, Burgohondo surprises visitors with its monumental ensemble, headed by its famous Abbey of Santa María, ancient chapels steeped in legend, mountain neighbourhoods that are now uninhabited but full of history, and an extensive network of hiking trails that lead into mountains, valleys and riverbanks.
If you are planning a getaway to Ávila in search of nature, history and tranquillity, here is everything you can see and do in Burgohondo.
The origins of Burgohondo: from medieval abbey to independent town
The first traces of occupation in this corner of Alto Alberche date back to the Vettones, a people of Celtic origin who inhabited the area from the 6th century BC. Later, the territory became part of Roman Lusitania and, during Muslim rule, it remained a borderland.
It was not until the end of the 11th century, after the conquest of Toledo by Alfonso VI and the repopulation promoted by Raymond of Burgundy, that the Abbey of Santa María de Burgohondo was founded. Around this monastery of Augustinian canons, a settlement grew up which would eventually be named Burgo del Fondo, the seed of the present-day town.
The abbey came to have jurisdiction over thirteen surrounding villages and became the economic, social and spiritual engine of the region. For centuries, Burgohondo alternated between periods of splendour and decline, until it established itself as an independent town in the Modern Age.
The Abbey of Santa María: Burgohondo’s monumental emblem
The great symbol of Burgohondo is undoubtedly the Collegiate Abbey of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. This complex, popularly known as the Collegiate Church, is a beacon of faith and power in the region, founded at the end of the 11th century during the repopulation. Augustinian canons turned it into the religious and economic epicentre of the area, an influence that remained until its dissolution in the 19th century.
The Abbey is a testament to Romanesque and Mudejar architecture. Its robust church, with a chancel and main chapel that exude an air of mystery, stands as the heart of the complex. Inside, the three naves separated by ashlar pillars culminate in a subtle transept, and a 16th-century Mudejar coffered ceiling adorns the ceilings. Although not on public display, behind the main altarpiece are paintings from the time of the foundation, a closely guarded secret.
Originally, the monastery did not have a tower, following the strict Cistercian tradition of austerity. However, in the 16th century, an imposing Renaissance tower was added, which today marks the profile of the building. Despite the centuries and transformations, Burgohondo Abbey, declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1983, retains the severity and sobriety of Castilian Romanesque architecture, a style marked by the hardness of the granite that shapes it.
Chapels with history and legends
In addition to its collegiate church, Burgohondo has other religious buildings that form part of its identity:
Chapel of San Roque
Its origin is linked to the plague that ravaged the peninsula for centuries. It has a legend rooted in the history of the village. It is said that its construction commemorates a miracle: the town was spared from a devastating plague that ravaged the region centuries ago, a salvation attributed to the saint’s intercession. Today, the chapel is the centre of local festivities in his honour, a meeting point that celebrates faith and survival.
Chapel of Vera Cruz or Los Judíos
Located in the old Jewish quarter of Burgohondo, this chapel was built on top of an old medieval synagogue from the 15th century. Its interior preserves deteriorated frescoes of the Passion of Christ, superimposed on the original structure. The simplicity of the building, without the annexes that would be found in more prosperous Jewish quarters, suggests the modesty of the local community, but its existence is a reminder of the cultural diversity that once flourished here.
The Town Hall and the Plaza Mayor
In the heart of the village, the Plaza Mayor Adolfo Suárez is the nerve centre of Burgohondo. Here stands the Town Hall, rebuilt after a fire in the 20th century and renovated in recent times. Its façade is notable for the brick bell tower that houses the clock. The square hosts theatre, concerts, sports competitions and even bullfighting shows during the patron saint festivities. Its stone staircase and distinctive brick bell tower give it a unique character, making it a place for meeting and celebration.
El Zaire: collective pride
Burgohondo has buildings that symbolise the community spirit of its inhabitants. The ‘El Zaire’ school complex, built in the 1950s, is one of them. Financed and built with the work and contributions of the local residents, this granite building is a monument to collective effort. Built in granite, it functioned as an educational centre until its conversion into accommodation and a restaurant. Beyond its architectural value, El Zaire symbolises the solidarity of a people who joined forces to carry out a common project in times of need.
If you are interested in staying at the site, we offer you the following option:
Las Umbrías: the memory of the mountain neighbourhoods
The history of the Umbrías, a series of farmhouses scattered throughout the surrounding mountains, is another example of rural life in its purest form. Until the mid-20th century, these neighbourhoods, such as Bajondillo and La Cendra, were full of life. Their granite and wooden constructions with thatched roofs, designed to withstand the harsh mountain climate, bear witness to a way of life centred on self-sufficiency and community, with communal ovens where bread was baked. Although today they are almost uninhabited, these ‘casillas’ (small houses) continue to serve as a refuge for livestock farmers and recreationalists, an echo of a bygone era.
Nature and routes in Burgohondo
The true charm of Burgohondo lies in its natural surroundings. The municipality sits in a deep hollow of the Alberche River, which runs through it for 7 kilometres. This river, which begins to calm down in this area, creates a heterogeneous landscape full of contrasts. From rugged terrain with granite outcrops to pastures, groves and forests, the landscape is a perfect combination of mountainous ruggedness and river fertility.
The Alberche is not only the backbone of the area, but also an unrivalled place for recreation. During the summer, its crystal-clear waters offer a refreshing respite. The municipality offers numerous pools and bathing areas:
- Tabla de los Abades, very popular with locals.
- Puente del Arco, with a Roman bridge as a backdrop.
- La Playita, ideal for families.
- Puente Nueva, with meadows perfect for a picnic.
Apart from swimming, the Alberche is also a great place for fishing, canoeing and walks along its banks. Burgohondo is also the starting point for countless hiking trails that explore the natural and ethnographic wealth of the area.
Notable hiking trails
- La Cendra – El Espino Trail: runs through the old neighbourhoods of Las Umbrías.
- Los Bonales Route: follows the riverbank through orchards and fruit trees, especially peach trees.
- Tejar Route: crosses oak groves and vineyards towards Navaluenga.
- Ascent to Mojón Cimero: for the more adventurous, this peak of almost 2,000 metres offers spectacular views of the valley.
Other highlights in the surrounding area include the Burguillo reservoir and the Iruelas Valley Nature Reserve, a protected area with more than 600 plant species.
Festivals and traditions in Burgohondo
Burgohondo keeps alive several celebrations that reflect its identity:
- San Sebastián (January): celebrated with the traditional wooden heifer.
- Luminaria (June, eve of Corpus Christi): bonfires that light up the night as a symbol of purification.
- August festivities: in honour of Our Lady of the Assumption and San Roque, with open-air dances, bull runs and pilgrimages.
- Cristo de la Luz (September): patron saint’s festival on the third Sunday of the month.
Practical information for your visit
- Altitude: 847 m above sea level.
- Area: 55.4 km².
- Population: approximately 1,249 inhabitants (INE 2024).
- Distances: 36 km to Ávila, 120 km to Madrid.
- Buses from Ávila: departures at 13:00 and 17:45 (Monday to Friday).
Discover Ávila
We recommend visiting these places that we have added to the map in Ávila, to make your trip as complete as possible:
- Peguerinos: an ideal place near Madrid to visit and go on a road trip. 1 hour and 12 minutes via the CL-505.
- Navarredonda de Gredos: an idyllic mountain location, visit the Parador Nacional de Gredos. 43 minutes via the A-905 and A-941 motorways.
- Piedralaves: a charming little mountain village with plenty of character. 59 minutes via the AV-901 and CL-501 motorways.
- El Barraco: a charming mountain village nestled in the Sierra. 17 minutes via the AV-900 and AV-905 motorways.
Burgohondo today: tradition and modernity
Although it retains its rural essence, Burgohondo has adapted to modern times. Its fruit trees and livestock farms coexist with rural tourism, which finds traditional houses, mountain trails, swimming pools and a monumental heritage that leaves no one indifferent. Visitors will find a village that respects its roots, proud of its medieval past and its privileged natural surroundings, but open to the future thanks to tourism and the collective efforts of its inhabitants.
Furthermore, Burgohondo is one of those villages that sums up the essence of Ávila: mountain landscapes, crystal-clear riverbanks, medieval history and living traditions. Its Abbey of Santa María recalls the importance of monastic power in the Middle Ages, its chapels hold popular legends and its streets, squares and mountain neighbourhoods invite you to take a leisurely stroll. Whether you want to enjoy a swim in the Alberche, explore its hiking trails or discover its rich heritage, Burgohondo offers a complete getaway where nature and culture go hand in hand.
📌 Traveller tip from The Kompasse: if you visit Burgohondo in summer, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit to enjoy the Alberche pools and take the opportunity to walk the Los Bonales route, one of the most beautiful in the region.
To make the most of your getaway, here are some useful products you can purchase before your trip so that you are well prepared:
- Hiking shoes
- Snorkel set
- Compact microfibre towel
- Waterproof sun cream
- Polarised sunglasses
- Non-slip flip flops
- Anti-theft backpack
Photo Credits
Below are the photo credits in order of appearance. Royalty-free photos will not be listed below:
- (Cover image): Sevicombo10, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Totemkin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- JIMENEZ Yvan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- David Perez, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- David Perez, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- David Perez, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Miguel Angel Muñoz, via verpueblos.com
- Turismoavila, via turismoavila.com
- L. Vadillo – MaLéPhotoSpain, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- 19migmas63, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Aglaya72, CC BY-SA 3.0 ES, via Wikimedia Commons
- Carlos Ramón Bonilla…, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Sevicombo10, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- PHOTOMAN, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- David Perez, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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