Altitude: 406 m
Population: 256
(2006.Source INE)
Natives: cardielejos.
The name of the Montes Cardiel can be a Mozarabic derivation from Latin
Cardus “thistle" or relate to cardueles or carduelis meaning
"a goldfinch bird that feeds on the seeds of the artichoke thistle."
It could also be related to the Toledo character Ibn Kardiel (XI) that
had properties in the municipality.
The theories on its origins are vague. The clearer assumption takes
us back to the "War of Reconquest" in the year 832, when the
General Abderaman II defeated the Muslim troops in a battle in the former
territory of Avila counties along the river Alberche.
It earned the privilege of a village in the XVI Century and the roll
was assumed as a symbol of jurisdictional freedom as it shows in the
coat of arms of the Davila.
Town located southeast of the region, along
the Alberche
The best way to access it is through the NV and in the 96 km to take the
CM-5002. It is also accessible by bus.
PARISH CHURCH OF SANTIAGO APOSTOL:
(Monument included in the inventory of regional heritage of the Province
of Toledo) Built in the XVI Century. It has a Gothic style. It shows a
rectangular shape with three buildings divided by pillars with semicircular
arches. The head consists of a polygonal apse of three sides and no tower.
Inside, there are carvings dating from the XV and XVI Centuries.
THE ROLL: (declared monument
of cultural interest under Law 16/1985 of June 25th, Spanish Historical
Heritage). From the beginning of XVI Century, a time of transition between
Gothic and Renaissance styles. It was built as a symbol that protects
the rights of the village under a lord. It consists of three concentric
circular tiers, a carved square base, and a shaft with the coat of Davila,
four dragons and a conical top coated with flakes.
THE FUENTONA: Legacy of Mozarabic origin and square shape
with block stones built in granite. It shows a lowered arched facade and
triangular pediment.
THE FOUNTAIN OF THE ARCO: Located on the road to the
river, not very well conserved.
In recent years, the "Rustic Olympics” have been held in
the summer in order to collect various trades and popular traditions.
The rural exodus of the last century marked this town. In the 50´s
the town came to exceed the figure of 300 inhabitants, while between
70´s and 80´s it suffered a drastic drop which placed the
population below 150 inhabitants, a figure that has not yet recovered.
February 1: Santa Brígida.
October (first Sunday): Virgen del Rosario.
In virtually all the festivals celebrated in the region, visitors are
invited to eat and drink in order to enjoy even more the peculiarity
of these festivities.
Senda Viriato-GR 63:
Stages 9 and 10.
Talavera roads and trails, Sierra de San Vicente and La
Jara
: R-15.
Phone Numbers
City Hall: 925 862 525
C. Doctor: 925 862 006.
Pharmacy: 925 862 321
C. Internet: 925 862 006
www.cardiel.info
Click picture to enlarge
