Places of Interest in Castilla-León -
Zamora

Among European cities, Zamora has one of the greatest concentrations of Romanesque churches. For this reason it is known as the "ciudad del rómanico".

It is positioned strategically on a hill over the river Duero, west of Salamanca. Zamora is an all-embracing city which welcomes tourists who discover that it is one of the most beautiful cities in the region.

Its road links are excellent and for centuries it has acted as a crossroads in the region. The Roman road, Vía de la Plata, ran through the province and archaeologists believe the location of the mansion Ocellum Duri to be in the area where the city stands today.

Zamora was the stage for the raids of the famous guerilla Viriato, the hero from Zamora whose image can be found in the plaza which bears his name. There were many other occupations during the course of Zamora's history. The Visigoths and later the Muslims populated the city to which Enrique IV gave the name of "Muy Noble y Leal Villa"; and which Fernando I called "la bien cercada" (well enclosed) and which "no se ganó en una hora" (was not won in an hour).

The old walls testify most to Zamora's medieval character. Remains of the wall surround what were once three enclosures with most of the remains around the first enclosure which contain the wonderful doors that welcome the tourist to Zamora: the Puerta de Olivares and Doña Urraca, famous for the betrayal of Bellido Dolfus. The first door which is 13th century Romanesque, is encountered after crossing the Puente de Piedra over the river Duero. It is one of the best snapshots of Zamora that the city has to offer. The Cathedral with its dome base, characteristic of Spanish medieval art, is situated here, along with the Palacio Episcopal.

Visitors are greeted by an array of churches, beginning with San Isidoro, San Pedro and San Ildefonso (the most important after the Cathedral), Magdalena and San Juan de Puerta, to cite a few. The Palacio de los Condes de Alaba y Aliste is a civil building which is joined to the Palacio de los Momos and the Hospital de la Encarnación.

The castle should also be noted on the far side of the first wall. It consists of a fortress with two main areas. You can gain a magnificent view of the city from its turrets.

One of the most popular fiestas in Zamora is Semana Santa, an authentic expression of popular culture which, due to its beauty and cultural interest on a worldwide level, has been declared a "Fiesta de Interés Internacional". The oldest streets remain in silence with hundreds of 'brothers' walking in procession. This Procesión del Silencio is one of the most beautiful that you will come across.

Zamora's gastronomy is a combination of good tourist fare mixed with other unique and traditional elements which come from the surrounding land. Fish such as trout is popular, and also frogs-legs which is a very typical dish of the province.

Rich pasture land means that local restaurants are able to offer the succulent vacuno de Aliste y de Sayago, and good sausage and cheeses which are offically accredited. You will also find wine from Toro and Arribes del Duero, and good quality bread and pulses. Zamora's confectionery is as varied as the rest of its culinary offerings.

The city acts as a springboard for the rest of the province, with its areas of immeasurable scenic, historical and cultural worth. The Lagunas de Villafáfila, the Parque Natural del Lago de Sanabria and the Arribes del Duero, and the entire area of the Sierra de la Culebra, are particularly outstanding.