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Places of Interest in Castilla-León

Image depicting the Alcázar of Segovia
Image depicting a gate in the great wall around Ávila
Image depicting the Cathedral in León

Castilla-León, known as the "land of the castles", is the largest region in Spain and is littered with enchanting medieval villages, some of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe and historic cities which are like living, outdoor museums. Segovia and Salamanca offer enough by themselves to fire the imagination and these extraordinarily beautiful cities generally surpass the expectations of first time visitors. Together with Ávila, these cities have earned World Heritage status along with the Santiago Way - the famous pilgrims' trail which traverses Castilla-León en route to the Galician capital of Santiago de Compostela.

The ancient kingdom of Castilla (Castile) was first united with the neighbouring kingdom of Leon in the early part of the 11 th century. It takes its name from the many castles built by the Christians as a defence against the Moorish invaders in the 8th and 9th centuries. In the early years of Arab occupation, the region was at the vanguard of the centuries-long battle to oust the Moors. The most famous champion of the Christian reconquest was "El Cid el Campeador" who was born in Bivar near the city of Burgos and whose coffin lies in the city's magnificent 13th century cathedral (A World Heritage Site).

Visitors from all over the world travel to Castilla-León to follow the "route of the castles" and to soak up the rich history of a region awash with well preserved legacies from the days of the Roman, Moorish and Spanish empires.

Places of Interest in Castilla-León

Image depicting walled city of Avila in Spain

Ávila

The city of Ávila, protected by its three-kilometer-wall, has some magnificent sights including the cathedral, beautiful churches, monasteries, and noble housesMore about Ávila


Image depicting El Cid monument in Burgos in Spain

Burgos

The history of the city of Burgos dates back to the 10th century. It is situated over an area where the northern section of the Meseta meets the foothills of the Sistema Ibérico, and was founded by Count Diego Rodríguez Porcelos, by order of the Asturian king Alfonso III el MagnoMore about Burgos


Image depicting cathedral in Leon in Spain

León

The city of León played a key role in the route of the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St James). The city is home to an enviable collection of monuments that embraces almost all artistic styles, from Romanesque, Gothic, Plateresque, Renaissance and modernMore about León


Image depicting cathedral cloister in Palencia in Spain

Palencia

The city of Palencia is situated in the midst of a large plain in Tierra de Campos with the river Carrión running through it. Its development as a city began in the 11th century and by the 15th century it had already become an important focus for the cloth industryMore about Palencia


Image depicting Palace Salamanca in Spain

Salamanca

Romans, Visigoths and Moors arrived before the city's heyday in the 13th century when its university, one of the oldest in Europe was founded. Salamanca is now a cosmopolitan city that still retains much of its traditionsMore about Salamanca


Image depicting Alcazar of Segovia in Spain

Segovia

Segovia is ruled by a roman engineering milestone, the Acueducto, that together with the cathedral, known as the "Maid of the cathedrals". The Alcázar, its numerous religious and civilian buildings, provide the town an attractive look, and an undeniable culture valueMore about Segovia


Image depicting cathedral in Soria in Spain

Soria

Soria, one of the places most identified with the Duero, the river which passes through it, retains the distinctive air of the small cities of the province. Located in the northern central part of the Peninsula, it has become and is remembered as one of the most romantic cities in SpainMore about Soria


Image depicting castle in Valladolid in Spain

Valladolid

Valladolid is situated on a hill between the northern branch of the river Esgueva and the river Pisuerga. It is now the capital of the authonomous region of Castilla-León and the driving force for the regional economyValladolid


Image depicting cathedral in Zamora in Spain

Zamora

Among European cities, Zamora has one of the greatest concentrations of Romanesque churches in its urban centre. For this reason it is known as the "ciudad del rómanico", city of the romansMore about Zamora