Padornelo

Padornelo is a small town in the municipality of Lubián, in the province of Zamora, located in Alta Sanabria. At 1,325 meters above sea level, this charming village stands out for its robust architecture, designed to withstand harsh winters, and for being one of the few bilingual enclaves in Zamora, where Spanish and Galician coexist naturally.

History and Heritage

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Padornelo has deep historical roots. During the Middle Ages, it became part of the Kingdom of León, and its border location made it a participant in the conflicts between the Leonese and Portuguese kingdoms until the 13th century. Later, in the Modern Age, it was incorporated into the Lands of the Count of Benavente, becoming part of the province of Zamora in 1833 after the administrative restructuring.

Architecturally, its church stands out for its sober bell gable, reflecting the local architecture, with slate roofs and thick granite walls. Life in Padornelo has always been marked by inclement weather, especially in winter, when snowfalls can completely cover the landscape, with snow accumulations exceeding 1.5 meters.

A Village with Natural Charm

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Padornelo is surrounded by vast forests of oaks and heather, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Furthermore, its proximity to the Way of St. James attracts pilgrims who travel this historic route. Tourism and the service sector are important drivers of the local economy, complemented by the installation of wind farms on nearby peaks, a sustainable source of income for the village.

Activities and Traditions

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The village and its surroundings are fertile ground for hunting and fishing, two of the main attractions of Sanabria. Mycology also plays a prominent role, and in autumn, the mountains are filled with mushroom hunters, taking advantage of the abundant rains.

Connection with Nature and the Past

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Near Padornelo is the Padornelo railway tunnel, an engineering feat with its distinctive 240-meter-deep ventilation chimney. In turn, the proximity to ancient settlements such as the castro As Muradellas reminds us that these lands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, although no remains from these eras are preserved in the village itself.