Residents of Valdeolmos-Alalpardo are invited to a historical event this Saturday, April 25th, to celebrate a significant milestone: the 840th anniversary of the first appearance of their land's name in an official document. The commemoration will take the form of a free conference promising a fascinating journey into the municipality's past.
The event will take place in the Sala Al-Artis of the Casa de la Cultura de Alalpardo, starting at 12:00 PM. This initiative aims to bring local history closer to all audiences, from the youngest to those with deep roots in the area, so they can discover the origins of their community.
“"The talk will not be a dry reading of ancient data, but an engaging explanation by a historian and former mayor of the municipality. His dual role provides a unique perspective: he understands the rigor of archives and, at the same time, the affection residents have for their land."
One of the most interesting aspects to be discussed is the evolution of the localities' names. Thanks to historical research, it is known that in the 12th century, what is now Alalpardo was recorded as Halapardo, and Valdeolmos appeared as Valdecervis. These details, beyond mere curiosity, are key to understanding the linguistic and administrative evolution of the territory over eight centuries.
The central focus of the commemoration is an invaluable document: a Privilegio Rodado issued by monarch Alfonso VIII in 1186. This king, a crucial figure in the history of Castile, was the one who put the existence of these settlements in writing. The document, issued in Talavera, granted a property, the estate of «Alcazariella», to the Cistercian monastery of Santa María de Bonaval.
The geographical precision of the text is remarkable, describing the estate as a place «… located along the road that comes from Valdeciervos and goes to Halapardo …». This phrase, written eight centuries ago, constitutes the first documentary record and the first written mention of the localities that today form the municipality, considered its birth certificate.
The historical research aims to strengthen the cultural identity of the residents, offering an opportunity to view the current landscape, such as the estate of «Alcazariella» (today known as Los Arrompidos), with new eyes. The event is a perfect occasion to learn about royal privileges, Cistercian monks, and life in the Comunidad de Villa y Tierra de Talamanca, to which these villages belonged in the Middle Ages.
