Fermoselle and Its Surroundings

Known as 'the balcony of the Duero' or 'the capital of the Arribes del Duero' for its incredible views from almost any point in the town, Fermoselle was declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble in 1974.

Situated in the Sayago region, the village is set within the tortuous and spectacular landscape of the Arribes del Duero. With more than two millennia of history dating back to the pre-Roman period, traces of Celtic times are still visible. Belonging to Zamora since 1205, when Alfonso IX of León granted its concession, Fermoselle enjoyed numerous royal privileges thanks to its frontier position and prime location above the Duero River, eventually becoming part of the province of Zamora.

Today, the village features traditional buildings and a unique urban layout with steep streets that form a labyrinth of architectural charm in certain areas. Its historic centre transports visitors back to the Middle Ages with granite and stone houses, small steep staircases, and remarkable religious heritage.

Fermoselle is a natural paradise with numerous walking routes, terraced gardens and vineyards, fantastic viewpoints over the Arribes, and a rich tapestry of historical, natural, and religious culture. Its famous San Agustín festivals include bull runs that date back to 1523, winding through its narrow streets.

A unique and privileged place to enjoy outdoor activities, sample the exquisite Sayaguesa beef, and taste the wines of the D.O. Arribes.

Key Sights

• Ermita de la Soledad: A 13th-century Romanesque hermitage with a doorway featuring curious corbels shaped like human heads, providing access to the local cemetery. Nearby are stone crosses from an old Via Crucis.
  

• Church of Santa Colomba: Located in the upper part of the village, built in the 12th century in Romanesque style with a small belfry. Inside is the 11th-century Christ of Humilladero.

• Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción: A 12th–13th century Romanesque church preserving its south wall and portals. Single-nave Latin cross plan with a five-tier bell tower. Houses the sculpture of the Assumption, a crucifix of agony, a movable Christ in repose, and an organ. Declared a Historic-Artistic Monument.
  

• Convent of San Francisco: Built on a 12th-century Romanesque hermitage, preserving original walls, corbels, and an ajimez window. Single-nave cruciform plan with a 'U'-shaped convent and central cloister. Now houses the Arribes del Duero Park House, presenting the region’s history and points of interest.
  

• Ermita del Santo Cristo del Pino (Santa Cruz): A simple Visigothic-Mozarabic hermitage hosting the Pentecost Monday pilgrimage. Located near the Portuguese border, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees with spectacular views of the Arribes. Accessible on foot from Fermoselle.
  

• Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Merced (San Albín): A 10th-century Romanesque church, named after a martyred converted Moor. Pilgrimage held on Easter Tuesday.
  

Streets and Squares

• Calle Requejo: Connects the Ermita de San Albín with the Plaza Mayor and Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. Features underground wineries, a former town gate arch, the Casa de Cultura, a Via Crucis cross, and exposed rock foundations.
  

• Calle La Nogal: Leading to the Plaza Vieja, this street has steep sections and stairways, with several underground wineries and an archway at its entrance.

• Calle del Guapo / Cuesta del Seco: Narrow cobbled street linking Calle Amargura to the Plaza de la Iglesia, flanked by stone houses.
  

• Plaza Mayor: At the foot of the old castle, irregularly shaped, cobbled, and surrounded by low buildings with arcades. Home to the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the Town Hall, and Casa de los Arcos (tourist office).

Other Notable Sites

• Underground Wineries: Over 1,000 cellars carved into the rock, interconnected, with nearly every house having one.

• Murallas (Walls): Only the pointed arch on Calle Requejo remains, once an entry to the village.
  

• Pozo Mergubez: Castle well at the corner of Calle Tenerías and Paseo La Ronda, fed by a small spring, dating to the 12th century.

• Town Hall: Beautiful two-storey building with arched balconies, wrought iron balustrade, a clock tower, the town coat of arms, and a charming bell tower.