Serradilla

Serradilla is a municipality located in the province of Cáceres, in the autonomous community of Extremadura, Spain. It lies within the region of Monfragüe, near the Monfragüe National Park, an area known for its rich biodiversity and status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.^[2]

Serradilla, Spain
municipality
Overlooking the town of Seradilla
Coat of arms
Map of Serradilla
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Extremadura
Province	Cáceres
Municipality	Serradilla
Area
• Total	259 km2 (100 sq mi)
Population  (2018)[1]
• Total	1,568
• Density	6.1/km2 (16/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)

As of the 2004 census conducted by the INE, Serradilla had a population of 1,832 inhabitants. More recent estimates from 2023 indicate a slight decline, with a population of approximately 1,545 residents.^[3]

Geography

Serradilla is situated in the central-western part of Spain, approximately 50 kilometers northeast of the provincial capital, Cáceres. It covers an area of around 148 square kilometers. The town lies near the Tagus River and is surrounded by natural landscapes, including forests and rocky hills that form part of the Sistema Central mountain range. Its proximity to the Monfragüe National Park contributes to its ecological significance and attracts visitors interested in birdwatching and hiking.^[4]

Culture and Language

The municipality is notable for its efforts to preserve and promote the Extremaduran language, a minority Romance language spoken in parts of the region. In 2013, local residents produced the first feature-length film in the Extremaduran language, titled Territoriu de bandolerus (Territory of bandits). The film was entirely community-funded and acted, and it received attention in regional media for its cultural impact.^[5]

Serradilla also publishes a monthly cultural magazine titled El Migajón, which features articles on local news, traditions, and linguistic heritage in both Spanish and Extremaduran.^[6]

Historical Heritage

The town preserves several historical and religious monuments. Notable among them is the Santuario de la Virgen de la Victoria (Serradilla), a 17th-century sanctuary dedicated to the town's patron saint. The sanctuary holds significant artistic and religious value and is an annual site of pilgrimage.^[7]

Economy

Serradilla’s economy is traditionally based on agriculture and livestock, particularly goat farming and olive cultivation. In recent years, rural tourism has emerged as a growing sector, benefiting from the town’s proximity to the Monfragüe National Park and the increasing popularity of ecotourism in Extremadura.^[8]

Festivities

Major local festivals include the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Victoria held in September, featuring religious processions, traditional music, and local cuisine. The Romería de San Antonio is another prominent celebration that combines religious observance with community gatherings.