Ermita de San Frutos

The Hermitage of San Frutos is an old monastic priory and Romanesque sanctuary located in the Natural Park of the Gorges of the Duratón River, in the surroundings of Sepúlveda, although administratively it is linked to the municipality of Carrascal del Río. The complex stands on one of the great meanders of the Duratón, in a place of great scenic and geological value, and is one of the most visited sites in the park. The usual route to the viewpoint and the hermitage is short, on foot and of low difficulty, with interpretative access from the San Frutos parking lot. What can be seen today is, above all, the preserved temple of the old monastic complex, built in the Romanesque period over a previous occupation of Visigothic tradition. Its isolated silhouette, dominating the canyon, allows us to appreciate the relationship between heritage and relief: deep gorges, limestone cliffs and a wide view over the river valley. The site is of interest both for its religious architecture and for the visual impact of the location, especially for the panoramic view over the meander and the slopes of the natural park. Its cultural relevance is remarkable: it has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and a Historic-Artistic Monument since 1931, and is one of the oldest Romanesque temples south of the Duero. In addition, San Frutos is the end of the Camino de San Frutos, a pilgrimage route linked to the Segovian saint. Local tradition attributes the foundation to San Frutos himself and his brothers Valentín and Engracia, although this reference should be understood as a hagiographic tradition.