:04:06
For centuries this has been home to monks of the Carmelite order.
:04:10
They preached Christianity in the villages of Las Hurdes.
:04:15
Batuecas has a rich prehistory.
:04:17
Skilful cave paintings...
:04:21
...representing men, goats and bees.
:04:44
Toads, snakes and lizards...
:04:46
...are now the only inhabitants of these ruins.
:05:04
Rich vegetation...
:05:06
...with more than 200 species of trees.
:05:08
Yet 5 kilometres from this fertile valley...
:05:11
...there are almost no trees.
Just a few fruit trees, rockroses and heather.
:05:19
The convent is surrounded by an 8 kilometer wall.
:05:22
It protects from attacks by wolves and wild boar.
:05:24
Inside...
:05:27
...are the scattered ruins of 18 hermitages.
:05:31
Each is marked by a cypress or two.
:05:48
Beyond here...
:05:50
.. lies Las Hurdes proper.
:05:52
We are entering the barren lands of Las Hurdes.
:05:58
The village of Aceitunilla is in one of the poorest valleys.