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Monumental Cities and Towns

• Salamanca: European city of Culture in 2002 & declared Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO, Salamanca dates from the time of Hannibel, and today, as in the Middle Ages, it remains a major University town. Its two fine cathedrals, standing side by side but four centuries apart in age; a medieval university; and the 18th-century Plaza Mayor - arguably Spain´s most beautiful square - are all built of luminous golden stone. In the Plaza Mayor students sin, argue and flirt;  grandmothers parade their grandchildren, and waiters serving plates full of tapas weave among tables that spill out of cafes onto the sidewalks.  The square is especially lively in summer, when strolling student minstrels, known collectively as la tuna, serenade passersby. A city worth visiting at any time of the year.

 

• Avila: is the highest of the provincial capitals and also declared Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO. It´s best views are from from Los Cuatro Postes from where one can see the remarkable medieval walls, the Alcazar gate, the Cathedral and the Basilica de San Vicente.  Spectacularly illuminated at night, the city walls, built by Christian nobles in the 11th century, are punctuated by 90 crenelated towers and nice arched gateways.  A square-towered cathedral, with brilliantly carved choir, lovely chapels and a museum full of fine paintings dominates the low skyline.  The town´s most celebrated resident was Saint Teresa, and the first of the convents she founded is now a museum here, giving the city an aura of austere spirituality.

 

• Segovia: Heritage of Mankind and its best known landmark being the incredible Roman Aqueduct. Also the Alcazar (said to have inspired Disney´s castle), the 16th century Cathedral which was the last to be built in Spain, the Church of San Martin and the Plaza Mayor all highly worth seeing. Northeast of the city is Pedraza de la Sierra, one of the most pristine medieval towns in Castilla.

 

• Leon: Its heart is the Plaza Mayor close to the Old Town where the 13th century Cathedral, famous for its grand and richly coloured stained-glass windows, is located.  Other noteworthy sights include the Casa Botines by Gaudi, the frescoed Royal Pantheon, resting place of kings and nobles, the Basilica de San Isidoro and the Hostal San Marcos Convent, now a 5 star Parador hotel.

 

• Zamora: a fortified town which figuered prominently in El Cid lore, sits by the River Duero directly noth of Salamanca and has many beautifully preserved Romanesque churches and a marvellous cathedral with a grand Byzantine dome.

 

• Burgos: Castile´s capital in the 11th century, is a wonderful walking town. The cathedral is its centerpiece: third-largest in the country and flamboyantly Gothic.   Burgos is an important stop along the Camino de Santiago and due to its stategic location between Madrid and the Northen coast, it is a popular town with tourists. Just outside Burgos are art filled monasteries: Monasterio de las Huelgas Reales and the Cartuja de Miraflores.

History and Geography

In prehistoric times, a number of tribes set up the first settlements in this ancient region, along the Duero and its tributaries. Later the Christian Visigoths came, adding to the landscape the first ever churches built here. Following this, continuous Arab invasions left the banks of the Duero impoverished and depopulated, but the valley survived, and since 1983 the region has become Autonomous and recognised as a territorial entity.
Everything about the geography of this region, situated in the north-west Iberian Peninsula, is on a grand scale, covering one-fifth of Spain (94,147 square kilometres). Its climate is typically continental: long, hard winters and moderately warm summers.

 

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Cuisine

Fourteen “Denominations of Origin” bear witness to the high quality meats, cheeses, vegetables and wines produced in Castilla y Leon. In Segovia the suckling pig is a must and no visit to the city would be complete without a visit to Meson de Candido which serves outstanding roast suckling pig and lamb. 

In Avila try the tasty beans of El Barco and desserts made from figs, cherries and tropical fruits. Botillo, which is a round pork sausage from El Biezo (Leon), has been made since Roman times. The wines from Ribera del Duero, Bierzo and Toro are among the best in Spain. Particularly tasty from Zamora and Burgos are the famous cheeses.

Festivals

• February: Carnival of the Bull (Ciudad Rodrigo), Fiestas of St. Agata (Segovia).
• Easter: Easter celebrations and processions in Zamora are particularly beautiful.
• June: The Crossing of Fire (walking over hot coals) (Soria).
• August: Fiesta in honour of Our Lady of the Assumption. (Salamanca).

Others

 

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Itineraries that feature this region

Themed Spain Tours

• Jewish Heritage in Spain
• Camino de Santiago - French Road
• Spanish UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Castles of Spain Tour
• Spanish Churches and Monasteries Tour
• Spain´s Roman Silver Route - From Sevilla to Gijon

Spain Tours by Region

• Historic Capitals of Castilla Leon

Spanish Paradores

• Historic Paradores of Northern Spain

Spanish Wine Tour

• Wine Regions of Northern Spain

Accommodation

Please click on the symbol to see the Spanish Hotels in this area and obtain information about each.

Map of Castilla Leon } Map of Spain