Bulls of Guisando Archaeological Site

The Bulls of Guisando are a set of ancient granite sculptures representing bovine and other animal figures created by the Vettones, an Iron Age people of the Iberian Peninsula. The group is among the best-known examples of ‘verracos’ - zoomorphic stone sculptures from that period.

There are commonly four large figures in the ensemble and they are carved from local granite. They are displayed in an open landscape setting and are easily visible from nearby access paths.

Historically the sculptures date to the pre-Roman Iron Age and have been preserved as archaeological monuments. They are an important example of Vettonic monumental sculpture and have been referenced in medieval and later Spanish sources.

The site lies in central Spain near the province of Ávila with road access from nearby towns; it is visited for its archaeological significance and easy roadside setting.

• Number and material: Group of granite animal sculptures carved by the pre-Roman Vettones culture, typically counted as four large figures.
• Setting: Located near El Tiemblo in the province of Ávila within the Community of Madrid region boundary area and visible from roadside points.

From Madrid or Ávila take the A-6 then the CL-501 toward El Tiemblo; the site lies near the small town of El Tiemblo (about 45-60 minutes from Ávila). There is a small parking area and a brief walk uphill to the sculptures; signage along CL-501 directs visitors to the site.

• Visit at sunrise or late afternoon to see the sculptures in raking light; otherwise midday shadows flatten the forms.
• Bring a local guide or read up on Celtiberian and Roman-era Iberia - the bulls are better understood in their ancient ritual context.
• Park in the small lot off the CL-501 road; the site is compact so allow 30-45 minutes for the visit.