Varied landscapes make up this territory of Salamanca which converges with Portugal and Extremadura to the southwest of the capital. Its outlying, border character has maintained a high environmental, architectural, ethnological and cultural quality that has hardly been modified by the hand of man. Las Arribes del Águeda, el Rebollar, the Valle del Azaba and the elevations of the Sierra de Gata are good examples of this. This border district, in an historically conflictive region, is full of walls, castles and fortresses that were intended to scare away invaders. To a greater or lesser extent, they have provided personality and character to the district. Ciudad Rodrigo Any journey should necessarily leave from Ciudad Rodrigo because the visit to this jewel of the west is completely indispensable. Between its perfectly designed walls (which were given their definitive shape in the XVIII century), there is a valuable artistic historical heritage. Don't miss the Plaza Mayor and the city council building, the Cathedral, the Castle of Enrique II Trastámara (Parador Nacional), the church of Cerralbo or the countless palaces that ennoble their streets. And if you can choose any moment to visit, do so when the city is celebrating its biggest festivity: "the Carnival of the Bull". El Rebollar and Sierra de Gata Visit the south of the district and enjoy the nature area of Rebollar and the summits of the Sierra de Gata. Along the interesting route you will discover landscapes, forests and meadows sprinkled with Roman roads and bridges, vestiges of pre-Roman towns, dolmens, hermitages, humilladeros and numerous towns which contain the greatest wealth of these lands: their people. Come to them and enjoy their old traditions, customs and festivities. From Fuenteguinaldo to Navasfrías Don't miss the parochial church of Fuenteguinaldo, with its beautiful altarpiece of the XVI century, made by Lucas Mitata, and the nearby castro de Irueña. In El Bodón you can enjoy another piece of the sculptor's work, in the hermitage located on the outskirts of the town, and you can buy some beautiful textile crafts or ceramic. Enjoy the folklore of Rebollar in Robleda and Peñaparda and if your prefer, go toward the southwestern end of Salamanca, to Navasfrías, where you will find attractive offers to spend an unforgettable weekend in the border lands.