Napoleonic Routes

In Alba de Tormes were lived outstanding acts of arms during the War of Independence, as well as the occupation by French troops, which lasted almost four years.

The castle of the Dukes of Alba is the ideal place to start the route through this Napoleonic village. Inside is the tourist office, where it is recommended, after a short introduction, to climb the viewpoint located at the top of the tower, excellent watchtower from where you can interpret the landscape thanks to the information contained in the panels dedicated to the battle of Alba de Tormes (November 28, 1809) and to the events that took place in July and November of 1812.

From there it continues to the square of Santa Teresa, where the convent of the Annunciation of the Discalced Carmelite Mothers is located, which in November 1812 suffered under crossfire between the French troops that besieged the castle and the Spanish ones that defended it.

Following the marked urban route of the historic complex, you reach the parish of San Pedro and, from there, we can reach the medieval bridge over the river Tormes. It is not difficult to identify the section that the Allies flew in 1812, since, during its repair, the new arch was built with dimensions much larger than those of the rest.

From the mouth of the bridge we can follow two paths. One of them invites us to cross the Tormes and, on reaching the other end, continue walking on the right by a path parallel to the riverbank in its first meters. It is a pleasant walk that will lead us to the Hermitage of Otero, from where we can enjoy splendid views of the privileged enclave in which the Villa is located.

The second option is to walk for a kilometer along the CL-510, in the direction of Piedrahita, until you reach a crossroads, where you will see a purple sign indicating "Padre Belda Archaeological Museum", which we will reach shortly after traveling more than six hundred meters. The Museum is located in the convent of the Repair Fathers, which was used by French soldiers as a barracks.

The best way to carry out this route is to be guided by the signage located in strategic places that will show you its main monumental landmarks, through some walks that have the Plaza Mayor as their central core, a living space in which the daily chores of the town also take place.

The personality of Alba de Tormes and the strength of its valuable monumental legacy have been forged over the centuries around three main elements: the House of Alba, whose deepest roots are inextricably linked to the town, Saint Teresa of Jesus, who established one of her foundations here and found her final resting place, and the Tormes River.

Approaching this legacy means walking through the city from the banks of the river to the strong tower of the ducal castle and, between one and the other, discover an urban area strewn with convents, churches and corners that are worth enjoying quietly.