The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain has just announced its new members: some rural gems to visit in 2023. Check out our private tours here!
The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain has just announced new settlements for 2023: Durro, Arties and Garos (Lérida), Castrojeriz (Burgos), El Burgo de Osma (Soria) and Treveles (Granada).
The announcement was made during the national assembly held in Chinchón (Madrid), where the names of the municipalities were announced. From 1 January 2023, they will become part of the list of the most beautiful villages in Spain and will collaborate in the promotion of the exceptional beauty of our country’s rural paradises.
In 2021, only Puentej (Burgos) met the necessary conditions, and this year these municipalities have joined this prestigious club, which already has 111 municipalities.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain was created in 2011 out of conviction and the need to show the world the beautiful villages that dot the Spanish geography.
Its objective: “To promote small municipalities, preferably rural, united under a quality brand, through promotional activities and cultural events organised by the association both in Spain and abroad”.
DURRO (LÉRIDA)
Duro is a small village of only 80 inhabitants located in the Bohí valley, in the region of Haute-Rivagolesa. At an altitude of 1,384 meters, this medieval jewel invites you to take a leisurely stroll through its cobbled streets.
With a sense of silence and a step back in time, you will pass the 12th century Church of the Nativity of the Virgin, with its five-storey tower, listed as a World Heritage Site and part of the ensemble of Romanesque churches in the Bohí Valley.
On the outskirts of the village, on the top of a hill, is the hermitage of San Quirce, which can be reached by a path that can be followed on foot or by car, and whose viewpoint offers marvelous views of the surrounding area.
Arties (Lérida)
Located in the Aran Valley, at the confluence of the Valentí and Garona rivers, Arties is another hidden gem in the Catalan Pyrenees, at an altitude of 1,144 metres.
In the centre of this village of 486 inhabitants is the Romanesque church of Santa Maria Alti, declared a national heritage site.
The basilica-shaped building dates from the 12th century, with three naves and three arches, of which only two semicircular side sections remain.
Despite alterations, the church has retained its original Romanesque appearance, especially the arches and the north doorway. Inside there are several 18th-century Baroque altars and a 15th-century altarpiece depicting various scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary in the Bible, considered a masterpiece of Gothic painting. On the ceiling of the chancel there are several frescoes depicting scenes from the Last Judgement from the Bible, painted by an unknown artist around 1580.
The Gothic church of San Juan, the ruins of the castle of Alti or Entrassagos, the 16th century tower and chapel of the Casa de los Portolà and the baths of Alti are also worth a visit.
GARÓS (LÉRIDA)
Without leaving the Aran Valley, we go to Garós, on the right bank of the Garonne river, at an altitude of 1115 metres. With 136 inhabitants, Garós is the ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the mountains in complete harmony with nature.
The parish church of San Julián, built in the 12th century and renovated in the 15th century, is located in the centre of the town and combines Romanesque and Gothic elements. The interior has a carved Christ, a Gothic Virgin and a silver crucifix.
Both Altis and Garos belong to the municipality of Alto Aran, the largest in the Aran Valley, which includes nine municipalities: Altis, Bagec, Garos, Gersa, Mungari, Saradou (the capital), Tredos, Uña and Bagheira.
Castrojeriz (Burgos)
The Burgos town of Castrojeriz, which belongs to the region of Audra Pisurgah, is one of the most popular and magical stops on the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, which runs lengthwise through the town, making it the longest crossing of the entire Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela.
Castrojeres has a rich historical heritage of which we can highlight: the Castle of Castrojeres, the Casa del Fuerte, the Tower, the parish churches of Santa María, San Juan and Santo Domingo, the Church of Nuestra Señora del Manzano -currently the site of the Museum of Sacred Art- and the Monastery of Santa Clara.
In addition, on the road that links the town of Hontanas with Castrojeriz, just three kilometres away, are the ruins of the Monastery of San Antón, an ancient monastery whose arches welcome pilgrims and announce that there is not much time left to reach the next stop.
