The Área de Turismo, Asuntos Europeos y Energía of the Diputación de Ávila is set to celebrate World Tourism Day on 27 September with a series of activities at two of the province's most significant archaeological sites: the castros of Las Cogotas in Cardeñosa and Mesa de Miranda in Chamartín.
Armando García Cuenca, the responsible deputy, stated, “These will be two days—26 September in Chamartín and 27 September in Cardeñosa—aimed at promoting tourism in our region, which boasts numerous cultural, heritage, natural, and gastronomic strengths, and to draw attention to the importance of this sector for the economy of Ávila, both in rural areas and the capital.”
In collaboration with Patrimonio Divertido, the event at Las Cogotas will commence at 9:30 on Sunday, 27 September, from the parking area of the Lienzo Norte Exhibition and Conference Centre in Ávila. A shuttle bus will transport pre-registered participants (registration can be done via email at patrimoniodivertido@gmail.com or via WhatsApp at 637 703 906). Those opting to drive can park in designated spaces.
Activities will kick off at 10:30 with a theatrical visit to the Castro led by Grupo Escabel, which does not require prior registration and will last for one hour. At 11:45, participants will set off for Cardeñosa either on foot, guided by two monitors through a one-hour route that includes a water station at the Arco de Conejeros, or by bus and private vehicles.
At 12:15, visits will begin for those arriving by bus and car, with participants divided into groups to explore the Archaeological Classroom of Cardeñosa, the parish church with its impressive wooden ceiling, and a talk by Ángel Martín, a specialist in white architecture. Upon the arrival of the walkers in the municipality at 13:15, a tasting of local wines and artisan cheeses will commence.
Meanwhile, for the registered children, who will be provided with lunch, there will be four interactive workshops at the Classroom: ‘My name in Vettón’, ‘A normal day of a Vettón’, ‘Making a pot’, and ‘Vettón trivia’.
The day will conclude at 14:30, with participants returning to the city of Ávila.
The event at the Mesa de Miranda Castro on Saturday, 26 September, which does not require registration, will begin at 10:00 with participant reception. From 11:00 to 12:15, ‘The Last Night of the Mesa’ will take place, an immersive family activity featuring six stations with recreators and an orientation tour of the Castro. From 11:00 to 13:15, excavations will be held at the site to showcase the work of archaeologists, along with material presentations in the classroom. The day will feature live music from La Jose and El Torri from 13:30 to 14:40.
García Cuenca concluded, “We invite all residents of Ávila to actively participate in these activities, to closely explore two jewels of our archaeological and historical heritage, such as Las Cogotas and Mesa de Miranda, and to serve as gateways to other castros and cultural resources that we must value and promote not only from institutions but especially from civil society.”
