Hervás facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hervás
Ervás
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Municipality
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View of Hervás
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 Hervás
Location in Extremadura
Hervás
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous Community |  Extremadura |
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| Province | Cáceres | |
| Comarca | Valle del Ambroz | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 59.78 km2 (23.08 sq mi) | |
| Elevation
(AMSL)
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688 m (2,257 ft) | |
| Population
(2023)
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| • Total | 3,907 | |
| • Density | 65.356/km2 (169.27/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST (GMT +2)) | |
| Postal code |
10700
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| Area code(s) | +34 (Spain) + 927 (Cáceres) | |
Hervás is a town in Spain, located in the northern part of the Cáceres province. In 2023, about 3,907 people lived there. It is about 120 kilometers from the city of Cáceres and 90 kilometers from Salamanca. Hervás is the main town of the Valle del Ambroz region, which is in the valley of the Ambroz River. The town has a mild continental climate.
Contents
History of Hervás
Early Beginnings
In the 12th century, a group of knights called the Knights Templar built a small church here. It was named Santihervás, after two Christian saints, Gervasius and Protasius. Over time, a town began to grow around this church during the 13th and 14th centuries.
Becoming Part of Cáceres
From the very beginning, Hervás was part of the Kingdom of Castile and belonged to the area controlled by Béjar. Later, on November 30, 1833, it officially became part of the Cáceres province. The old buildings and churches in Hervás are very important. They have been recognized as an "Asset of Cultural Interest" since 1969, meaning they are protected because of their historical value.
The Jewish Quarter
Many Jewish families came to live in Hervás starting in the 15th century. Even after Jewish people were officially asked to leave Spain in 1492, some stayed in Hervás. They pretended to become Christians, but secretly continued to practice their Jewish faith for a long time. There's even an old saying in the area that goes, "in Hervás there are many Jews." The old Jewish neighborhood, known as the Judería, is still well-preserved today. It is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit in Hervás.
Economy of Hervás
For a long time, from the 18th to the 19th centuries, making textiles (like cloth and clothes) was very important for Hervás. After that, the town's economy changed. Now, the main ways people make a living are through the chestnut wood industry, making things by hand (handicrafts), and tourism. Many visitors come to see the town's history and natural beauty.
Famous Buildings
Hervás has several interesting and historic buildings:
- La Enfermería de los Religiosos Franciscanos: This building was once a sickbay (a place for sick people) for Franciscan monks. It was built in the 18th century and is now the town hall.
- El Convento de los Religiosos Trinitarios: This used to be a convent for Trinitarian monks. Today, it is a fancy hotel run by the regional government of Extremadura.
- Pérez Comendador-Leroux Museum: This museum dates back to the 18th century.
- La Iglesia Parroquial de Santa María: This is the main church of the town, dedicated to Saint Mary.
Images for kids
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View of Hervás
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Coat of arms of Hervás
