It is situated in a gentle hollow in the south of the Maragatería region, on the road from Astorga to the River Duerma Valley or Valduerna.

An agricultural town in the 16th century, the arrival of a family of French traders set up a mule driving business in the town, bringing economic prosperity.

It would eventually be divided into two districts: one inhabited by the mule drivers and the other by the traditional farm labourers ’ the traditional ’upper’ and ‘lower’ sections of the town. The single nave stone parish church dating back to the 13th century is the finest example of religious architecture, featuring a bell gable and a slender arch which leads to chapel at the head of the church. This is a crossing point for travellers and traders, whose comings and goings shaped the town’s way of life.