We finally know the winner of the Best Corner in Spain in 2015! Yes, we are referring to that contest organized by the Repsol Guide that aims to publicize the heritage of the beautiful municipalities that we can find throughout our territory. In fact, the corners that win each year increase their visitors considerably, which is a boost for their economies.
For the third time, the winning corner is Extremadura, but before showing it to you we are going to introduce you to the two finalists of the contest, which are also very worthwhile. Would you like to join us?
Monastery of Our Lady of Valvanera
First of all, we want to talk about the Monastery of Nuestra Señora de Valvanera, which has managed to be the third finalist in the contest, a great privilege if we take into account that the corners that remain in this position also increase their visits considerably. This Benedictine sanctuary located 1,000 meters above sea level surprises, among other things, for its beautiful surroundings. And it is that located in a completely green valley in the Sierra de la Demanda, it is surrounded by three mountains (Mori, Umbría and Cándalo), forests and waters. In fact, the name of Valvanera comes from the Latin expression “ Vallis Venaria ”, which means “Valley of the veins of water”.
The monastery is located in the municipality of Anguiano, a town in Rioja Alta, in La Rioja. Its origin dates back to the 9th century, when a repentant thief found an image of Santa María and built a primitive monastery. In the 10th century this place made up of hermits gave way to the Benedictine monks. The current church dates from the 15th century and is flanked by an old Renaissance inn and the monastic building. Although nowadays everyone is welcome in this place, on the way you can find a sign that says the following:
No woman enters until the term (…) and if she enters, she is detained until she pays sixty salaries to the King’s attorney.
Main Square of Graus
This year, the Plaza Mayor de Graus was the second finalist in the contest organized each year by the Repsol Guide. Located in Huesca, Aragon, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful squares in the entire autonomous community and even in the entire peninsula. In fact, even the painter Ignacio de Zuloaga exclaimed "Wow, what a delicious flavor this square has!" seeing her. Later, it would end up being the setting for one of his canvases. This corner has remained practically intact since the 16th century. It is surprising for being surrounded by portals of noble houses of cheerful colors. Throughout its history it has been the scene of all kinds of fairs, markets, bullfights and many parties. During the patron saint festivities a show is represented that reviews everything that has happened during the last year, yes, in a satirical way.
Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1975, the square has its greatest representative in the beautiful Town Hall, although the truth is that most visitors marvel at some of its houses, decorated with murals from centuries ago.
Los Barruecos Natural Monument
Finally, we have to talk about the winner of the contest: the Los Barruecos Natural Monument. Located in Malpartida de Cáceres , Extremadura, this corner is actually a landscape full of granite masses that have been sculpted over the centuries and that visually multiply when reflected in the water of the ponds. On the rocks one of the largest colonies of storks in the entire continent nests, while below you can find some engravings and cave paintings.
If you have the opportunity to visit this amazing place, you should not miss the Vostell-Malpartida Museum, where human creations are combined with the works of the German artist Wolf Vostell , who marveled at this corner in 1976, declaring it a "work of art of nature". Then we leave you with the video that the Repsol Guide has prepared to show the joy of an entire town after being the Best Corner of the year. Do not miss it!