One of the oldest settlements in the province of Zamora, its roots date back to around the year 509, when it appears in a record from the Council of
Lugo. However, some authors consider that the information found therein refers to the whole region rather than the town itself. More accurate documentation from around the 10th century, in which is mentioned as "urbe Senabrie", indicate it as organization center for the surrounding area.
Peninsular War In early March 1809, General
La Romana left some 2,000 men, under General
La Carrera, at Puebla de Sanabria, and departed to strike back into Galicia with 6,000 infantry. Marching on
Villafranca, he forced the French garrison there to surrender after
a fierce battle. was driven from the town by 5,000 French troops led by General
Seras, who had set out from his headquarters at
Benavente with the intention of threatening the frontier of the
Tras-os-Montes, in the north of Portugal. General
Silveira then gathered all the Portuguese militia of his district at
Braganza to defend the frontier. But instead of continuing his advance, Serras turned back, leaving some 400–600 ==Main sights==