Dorligo

Dorligo is a small municipality situated in the eastern part of the province of Ávila, within the autonomous community of Castile and León, Spain. The town lies at an altitude of approximately 950 metres above sea level and covers an area of 18 square kilometres. The surrounding landscape is characterised by gently rolling hills, agricultural fields, and patches of chestnut forests, which contribute to the local economy and tourism.

The earliest known settlement in the Dorligo area dates back to the Roman era, with archaeological findings indicating the presence of Roman roads and small villas. During the Middle Ages, the village grew around a fortification that served as a defensive outpost against Moorish incursions. The 12th century saw the construction of the Church of San Juan Bautista, a Romanesque structure that remains a notable landmark. In the early modern period, Dorligo was part of the larger political and administrative framework of the Crown of Castile. The 19th and 20th centuries brought gradual population decline, a trend common in rural Spanish municipalities, as residents migrated to urban centres such as Salamanca and Madrid for employment opportunities.

According to the 2011 census, Dorligo had a population of 258 inhabitants, a figure that has fluctuated slightly in subsequent years. The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, with olive oil and cereal cultivation dominating. In recent years, the municipality has promoted rural tourism, offering accommodations such as rural guesthouses and promoting traditional gastronomy. The annual “Fiesta de San Juan” in June and a weekly market on Saturdays attract visitors from neighbouring villages. The municipality maintains its cultural heritage through the preservation of historic buildings, the local folklore tradition, and the celebration of regional festivals that reflect the historical ties of the area to Castilian culture.