The granite sculptures of the Bulls of Guisando

The Bulls of Guisando, known locally as Toros de Guisando, are a set of four ancient sculptures located on the hill of Guisando in the municipality of El Tiemblo, Ávila, Spain. The balance of opinion favours bulls, thanks to holes that are interpreted as sockets for horns. These sculptures are examples of a type of ancient artwork called verracos, and are associated with the territory of the pre-Roman peoples known as the Vettones. They may have been made during the 2nd century BCE.

The sculptures, carved from granite, are classified as a Sitio histórico or historic site, protected in Spain's heritage listings as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Property of Cultural Interest). While there is debate over whether they remain in their original position, some Latin graffiti on the stone may suggest they were repositioned during Roman times.

They have been a source of inspiration for Spanish literature. Miguel de Cervantes refers to them in his novel Don Quixote, while Federico García Lorca uses their symbolic value in his Llanto por la muerte de Ignacio Sánchez Mejías.

The Treaty of the Bulls of Guisando was signed in the field around the sculptures between Henry IV of Castile and his half-sister Isabella of Castile in 1468. The event marked the end of a civil war in Castile and granted Isabella the title of Princess of Asturias.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons