La Vera, Rural region in Extremadura, Spain
La Vera is a rural region in Extremadura that spreads across a wide valley at the base of the Sierra de Gredos mountains. The area follows the Tiétar River and contains several small towns with a traditional character.
Emperor Charles V chose the Monastery of Yuste in this region as his final residence, spending his last days there during the 1500s. The monastery became a symbol of the area's importance during the Renaissance period.
Houses throughout the region are built with adobe, stone, and wood, with water channels running through the streets of villages. This distinctive building style shows how local people have lived closely with the river valley for centuries.
The region is best explored on foot or by bicycle, as roads wind through the valleys and many paths invite walking. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions, with mild weather and natural beauty at its peak.
In Valverde de la Vera, during Holy Week a silent nighttime procession takes place where participants called empalaos carry wooden beams tied to their bodies. This rare ritual in Spain draws visitors from around the world each year.
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