ROCK ART ROUTE OF MONFRAGÜE IN SERRADILLA

El Canchu del Lobu, where this route is located, is a truly exceptional spot within the Sierra de Santa Catalina mountain range, primarily due to its stunning views and scenic beauty. Nestled at the western entrance to Monfragüe National Park, within the UNESCO Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve, from here there is a stunning view of the Tagus valley, stretching from the Salto del Gitano to the José María Oriol Reservoir, with much of the centre of the province of Cáceres visible. We are at the top of a quartzite ridge that rises between the ravines of the Viña and Garganta streams to the south, and the Barbaoncillo stream to the north, in an area covered by Mediterranean woodland. The rocks are largely covered by striking lichens and are practically devoid of woody vegetation, with the exception of a few junipers and rockroses. Below, in the ravines, there is a dense Mediterranean forest of cork oak, gall oak and maple on the north-facing slopes, and of holm oak and wild olive, accompanied by broom and gorse, on the south-facing slopes. Back on the plain, the endless holm oak pastures stretch as far as the eye can see, on both banks of the deeply incised River Tagus. Within Monfragüe National Park, the treetops provide a safe and ideal place for birds such as the imperial eagle, the black vulture, the booted eagle and the short-toed eagle to build their nests. Also, in the thicket of the forest, the goshawk and the sparrowhawk breed, and the area is regularly overflown by griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, white and black storks, as well as dozens of species of rock-dwelling birds. Among the mammals inhabiting the area, the red deer, wild boar and otter stand out, alongside carnivores such as the lynx, genet, wildcat and mongoose, as well as countless amphibians and reptiles.

We are not aware of any prehistoric settlements at Canchu del Lobu de Serradilla itself, but there are a number of sites in the surrounding area that provide evidence of human populations from the late Neolithic and Copper Age, who introduced pottery and the first metal tools and weapons to the region. It is possible that, some 7,000 years ago, this area was already inhabited by groups of people seeking to develop a food-producing economy, whilst still drawing on the bounty offered by Monfragüe through hunting, fishing and the gathering of wild berries, mushrooms and tubers. At the beginning of the Copper Age, some 5,000 years ago, rock art flourished in this region and all the ravines and crags were covered with painted images, mainly in red ochre.