San Salvador de Palazuelo
San Salvador de Palazuelo is a small town located in the municipality of Cernadilla. It is part of the La Carballeda region, an area with deep agrarian roots and popular traditions, located near the Tera River and the Cernadilla reservoir, and very close to Sanabria. Thanks to its proximity to the Rías Bajas motorway, it is an easily accessible destination for those who wish to explore this region.
History #
In the Middle Ages, San Salvador de Palazuelo was integrated into the Kingdom of León, participating in the repopulation of western Zamora. During the Modern Age, it was part of the province of the Lands of the Count of Benavente, in the receivership of Sanabria. In 1833, with the territorial reorganization, the town was incorporated into the province of Zamora and the judicial district of Puebla de Sanabria.
Later, around 1850, San Salvador was integrated into the municipality of Valdemerilla, until in 1940, Valdemerilla was absorbed by Cernadilla, leaving the town under its administration.
Fauna #
The local fauna is diverse and rich in native species. Among the most prominent mammals are deer, roe deer and wild boar, which are part of the large herbivore ecosystem of the area. The Iberian wolf, the emblematic predator of the region, inhabits these lands, feeding on the aforementioned herbivores.
It is possible to spot other small mammals such as rabbits, hares and hedgehogs, while occasional sightings of Iberian lynx and bears have gained prominence in recent years.
As for birds, the region is home to barn owls, tawny owls, golden eagles, Montagu’s harriers and peregrine falcons. In addition, partridges and pigeons are common and constitute an important resource for local hunting.
Among reptiles and amphibians, the European smooth snake, the ocellated lizard, and the viperine snake, the least venomous of the snakes in Spain, stand out. Frogs and salamanders are also part of the ecosystem, although the latter are endangered.
Flora #
The vegetation of San Salvador de Palazuelo combines typical Castilian flora with elements of Galician flora, given its proximity to that region. Chestnut, walnut and oak trees dominate the landscape, accompanied by holm oak and pine forests, with a moderate presence of undergrowth.
Festivities and Traditions #
August Festivities #
On August 6, the main local festivity is celebrated, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Anthony. The celebration includes a mass and a procession through the town. Traditionally, the inhabitants gather to enjoy a vermouth after mass. Although verbenas have been replaced by a popular dinner offered by the local hunters and a mobile disco, the festive spirit remains.
On August 8, the festivity of “Las Llaves” takes place, an occasion in which illustrious figures of the town participate in the events.
Saint Lucy #
On December 13, the festivity in honor of Saint Lucy, patron saint of the town, is celebrated. The neighbors, together with people from nearby towns, go to the hermitage to participate in a mass and a procession in her honor. The festivity culminates with the distribution of small religious images and blessed bread by the Saint Lucy Association.
San Salvador de Palazuelo is a place that combines history, nature and traditions that remain alive thanks to the local community and its annual festivities. An ideal destination for nature lovers and those interested in discovering the heart of Zamora.