The Astounding Priory of San Frutos

The Priory of San Frutos or the hermitage of San Frutos (Ermita de San Frutos) sits on a spectacular bend of the incredible gorge of the Duratón river. It is a place of incredible natural beauty with steep cliffs, contrasting with a forest, the priory and and the river below. The area around the priory is called Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park, "Las Hoces" refers to the cliffs, over 100m high, of the gorge that was formed by the Duratón river. The scenery, when seen from above, is breathtaking, made even more so by the fact that hundreds of vultures nest amidst the craggy cliffs and constantly circle overhead, majestically manoeuvring their 1.5 metre long wings almost within arm's reach. The Romanesque style priory dates back to the twelfth century and is built on top of Visigoth structures. It is said that the it was founded by Saint Frutos (or Fructus), the patron saint of Segovia, and his two brothers. Saint Frutos and his two brothers, Valentine and Engratia, were born into a noble family in the 7th century, after their parents’ death, they sold off their possessions and donated their wealth to the poor. The brothers then settled in separate caves living as hermits by the river and built a small priory where the current one stands. On 25th of October devotees celebrate the saint day of Saint Frutos on the site, carrying his statute and singing songs of praise. The statue has Frutos holding a book, and according to local legend, it is the “Book of Life”: when he turns to the last page, the world will end.