The municipality of Parauta is nestled in a stunning natural setting. Among its many natural attractions, the Pinsapo de la Escalereta—located in the heart of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park and designated a Natural Monument—and the Encina Vallecillo—located near the town center and along the trail connecting it to the town of Igualeja, designated as Unique Tree.
The Vallecillo holm oak is a colossal tree, standing some 25 meters above the ground and with a trunk nearly four meters in circumference. Its estimated age is about 400 years. In other words, it was planted in the 17th century, during the reign of Felipe IV, the Planet King. In the midst of the Siglo de oro, when Cervantes wrote *Don Quijote* and his worldwide fame was growing, this holm oak was taking root.
Its name comes from the last name of one of its owners, who, in his will, expressly forbade cutting down the tree or pruning its branches. Since then, it has been a part of the lives of generation after generation of Parauta residents and has become so deeply embedded in their identity that today it features prominently on the municipal coat of arms of the City of Parauta. Interestingly, it is said that half of its branches produce sweet acorns and the other half, bitter ones.
Calle Altillo n21, Parauta
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