In the southern part of the province of Salamanca and only 77 kilometers from the capital of this region (which is also called Salamanca) lies a town of 1,100 inhabitants. Its name is La Alberca. It used to be called Valdelaguna; today's name originates from the Hebrew word “baraka” and the Arab word “la”, so the name of this town probably means "place of waters."

History of the city

The first people lived in this region since prehistory. Furthermore, there are many paintings from the Neolithic Age in rocks and caves of the valley around La Alberca. During the 12th and the 13th centuries, this town was re-populated. The decision of French King Alfonso IX made many noble French families come to La Alberca. Many French names appear in La Alberca. Frances el Rio and La Sierra de Francia are typical examples of that fashion. La Alberca is situated on this French river and French mountain.The road to Santiago includes La Alberca and many pilgrims pass through this city

Virgen de la Perla de Francia is an image that was discovered in the 15th century. It is a relic that became a mandatory part of Santiago pilgrimage. Each year, on the second day of Easter, this town celebrates an event that happened in the 15th century. One woman, according to the legend, won against the Portuguese army in 1465. La Alberca had not got its independence until 1515.The architecture of this town is dominated by stone, wood and granite.

The most famous historical monument is the parish church Our Lady of Assumption. This church was built in the 18th century. However, there are many interesting historical sites. Furthermore, you should not miss The Shrine of Our Lady in the Romanesque style and the Sanctuary of the Virgin from the 15th century. The Dominican monastery is situated at an altitude of 1723 meters and it is near the town. All houses and buildings in La Alberca have some kind of religious symbols; this is a religious town in which three religions exist - Christian, Islamic and Jewish.

Fiestas of La Alberca

The biggest fiesta in La Alberca lasts for three days and it is held in honor of Our Lady of Assumption. Every August, residents of this town put on their baroque costumes and come to the square in order to celebrate the existence of La Alberca.
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