Ribagorda Hermitage (Peralejos de las Truchas)

Ribagorda Chapel

About 4 km from the village of Peralejos de las Truchas is located in the hermitage of the Virgin of Ribagordaon a large meadow at the foot of La Muela from which it takes its name.

This is one of the most emblematic hermitages of the Upper Tagus. It is a compact and sober building, with a current construction dating back to the XVIIIth centuryThe Virgin of Ribagorda, patron saint of Peralejos, is housed in the parish church of San Mateo in this mountain town; as in many other Marian shrines, it is a Romanesque image found, according to legend, by a goatherd inside a cave on the banks of the Tagus, guarded in this case by the incorrupt corpse of a warrior-hermit.

Although it is believed to be of medieval origin, it was rebuilt in the 18th century with an adjoining house for guardians and the commemorative celebrations of the Town Hall and Brotherhood of Peralejos.

Every year, in PentecostA pilgrimage is held in which the Virgin of Ribagorda is taken from the village to the Ribagorda hermitage.

It is usually an area of passage and rest for livestock, so it is not unusual to find herds there. It should be borne in mind that these herds are usually guarded by mastiffs that will alert of any strange presence under the shade of the cool poplar grove.

This hermitage can be reached on foot or by car. One of the paths to follow, both for vehicles and hikers, is the one at the fronton court of the town of Peralejos de las TruchasThis will take us on a walk of approximately two hours.

The other option is to take the start of the stretch of GR 113 which is located on the road linking this locality with the Martinete BridgeShortly after passing the campsite, we will come across a signpost that will show us the way to follow, always accompanied by the characteristic red and white long-distance footpath markings to the very hermitage of Ribagorda. This last option will take about half an hour longer than the previous one, but it also allows us to follow old paths and get to know the landscape and natural resources of the villages in the area better.