Candelario In Salamanca, A Town With A Traditional Flavor
Candelario is one of those hidden gems in the vast province of Salamanca. A mountain town worthy of a getaway, both for its historical heritage and its natural environment, and we must not forget that Candelario is located in the always attractive Sierra de Béjar. And in turn, it is a town integrated in the Ruta de la Plata Association, which crosses the province of Salamanca from south to north.
The Candelario site
Before reaching this urban nucleus, it is necessary to cross the dense chestnut and oak forests that surround it. Forests of enormous natural attraction. So much so that they are known as the Candelario Protected Natural Area and are considered a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco.
The traditional architecture of Candelario
One of the most emblematic and outstanding elements during a visit to Candelario is its traditional architecture. Some constructions that, as is usual in mountain areas, are made of stone.
In the case of this beautiful town, the houses have large walls to protect their inhabitants from the inclement weather, although large balconies open on these walls. And a characteristic element are the famous bathing gates, whose function is of the most varied and which are a kind of half door that precedes and protects the main one.
Everything in the architecture and urban planning of Candelario is linked to the geographical location of the town. Hence this adaptation to the steepness of the terrain that allows little space for the straight line. For this reason, the urban nucleus is an authentic labyrinth.
Beyond its layout, in its streets the watering cans are particularly striking, that is, some lateral gutters that serve to drain the usual frosts in the town and in the mountains.
The temples of Candelario
In all this harmonious urban fabric there is a building that stands out above the whole, the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. Of enormous dimensions, it began to be built in the fourteenth century and it mixes styles ranging from Romanesque to Baroque. Inside there is an altarpiece dedicated to the Martyrs, made in the 16th century.
The hermitage of the Santísimo Cristo del Refugio is also worth a visit. It is in the lower part of town and has a Rococo-style altarpiece.
The festivities in the town of Candelario
As you can imagine, with its scarce 1,000 inhabitants, the town is the quietest for much of the year. However, its tranquility is transformed into festive spirit for several days each year. One of the great festivities is February 2, when the Candelaria day is celebrated.
That day coincides with the end of the work related to the slaughter of the pig and the elaboration of the famous sausages of the place. Sausages that are typical to be left to dry on the charismatic and unique open balconies on the facades of traditional houses. That is, if you make a getaway to Candelario on those dates you will have a great time, and if you do it on any other date, do not hesitate to try and buy their traditional sausages.
But there are more renowned festivals, such as those of Santa Ana in July, in honor of the town’s patron saint. And we cannot fail to mention the Typical Wedding, which has been celebrated since 1989 and which recalls how nuptials were contracted in the 19th century.
If you appear on the second Sunday of August in Candelario you will discover this event, and at times it will seem that you have traveled back in time, since a large part of the residents dress in period and traditional costumes for the occasion.
One last note, the colder months are a good opportunity to visit Candelario, especially if you like skiing. Nearby is the Sierra de Béjar-La Covatilla ski resort, with 31 slopes and more than 20 skiable kilometers.
