A town of great importance at the time of the old pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela. Its medieval origins can be seen in some of the historic buildings and in the old town.

The most characteristic building of Carrión de los Condes is the church of Santiago, famous for its splendid Panthocrator. Also significant are the frieze in the church of Santa María del Camino, embellished by an Adoración de los Magos; and the convent of Santa Clara, founded in the 13th century, with an adjoining church and museum which displays sculpture and ornaments, as well as a Piedad by Gregorio Fernández. On the outskirts of the city, near the medieval bridge, is the monastery of San Zoilo, a former pilgrims' shelter started in the 10th century. Its Renaissance cloister is outstanding, a genuine ornamental and technical wonder which is the work of Juan de Badajoz.