History

After the Arab invasion and the collapse of the Visigothic kingdom in 7th century, the Duero plateau was depopulated. Repopulation started in the 9th century and brought privileges granted to those who came to repopulate the land. So the councils and towns were settled in the region including our town, Villaseco de los Reyes, formely known as Villaseco de Santa María del Rey during the 16th and 17th century.

Farming was the main activity of the first settlers. During summer they were mainly sustained with the high grasses naturally grown in the ground and during the snowfall they survived thank to the collected branches cut off from the oaks. Thereafter they were cultivating the best portions of the land for they could help the cattle during the winter and harness some products for human consumption.

Until the thirteenth century there were several water mills and a fulling mill for frieze cloths (sayal in spanish) in the river of the township. Until the late eighteenth century these mills were hand- crafted by locals. And here\'s where we picked up the name for our Centre as it takes us back to the past and pass on to new generations into the township\'s history.

Villaseco is a small town between Salamanca and The Natural Park “Arribes del Duero” where quietness, history, landscapes and gastronomy mixes together with the enchanted hospitality of locals.