Peña de Francia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peña de Francia |
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Peña de Francia from Cereceda de la Sierra
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,727 m (5,666 ft) (Paso de los Lobos 1,499 m or 4,918 ft) |
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| Location | Salamanca |
| Parent range | Sierra de Francia |
The Peña de Francia is a mountain in Spain. It is located in the south of Salamanca, in the region of Castile and León. This mountain is very tall, reaching about 1,727 meters (5,666 feet) high. The very top of the mountain is part of a town called El Cabaco.
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Where is Peña de Francia Located?
The Peña de Francia mountain is found in the area of El Cabaco. It is one of the tallest mountains in the Sierra de Francia range. This mountain range is also part of a larger group called the Central System.
The mountain's rock layers are separated from another area near Tamames. This separation is caused by a large granite rock formation near La Alberca. Many towns around the mountain, especially to the north, have become popular places for tourists.
What is the Geology of Peña de Francia?
The geology of Peña de Francia is quite complex. It is one of the highest mountains in the western part of the Sierra de Francia. The mountain has a deformed structure, meaning its rocks are bent and folded in different ways.
These folds are often seen in layers of Ordovician quartzite and conglomerates. These rock structures are close to a large crack in the Earth's crust called the Falla de Plasencia. The mountain is also affected by breaks in the rock to the northeast. Along these breaks, large blocks of rock have moved, separating different parts of the folds.
Why is Peña de Francia Important for Religion?
Peña de Francia is famous for its Black Madonna, known as Our Lady of Peñafrancia. It also has a large church called the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Peña de Francia. Many Christian pilgrims visit this place, especially in the summer.
During winter, it can be hard to reach the mountain due to heavy snow. Besides the main church, there is also a friary (where monks live). There are also guest rooms for visitors and a telecommunication antenna on the mountain.
What Views Can You See from the Top?
From the very top of Peña de Francia, you can see amazing views. To the north, you can see the wide, flat area called Campo Charro. Looking east, you can see the Sierra de Tamames mountains. To the south, you can see the large reservoir of Gabriel and Galán.
What Plants Grow on Peña de Francia?
The lower parts of the mountain have many different plants. You can find Quercus pyrenaica trees, pine trees, and Scots pine. There are also ferns and other plants like Erica arborea and Erica australis . Much of this plant life has grown back after fires.
Higher up on the mountain, you will find a lot of scrub plants. These include Cytisus oromediterraneus , Echinospartum , and Pterospartum tridentatum .
See also
In Spanish: Peña de Francia para niños
- Central System
- Sierra de Francia
- El Cabaco
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Peña de Francia
- Our Lady of Peñafrancia
