Rural tourism in Castilla y León: take note of things to do
As you begin to get to know this region, you’ll soon see that it lives and breathes history. Imposing walls, robust architecture and tall castles are surrounded by mountains where you’ll find little villages and stunning natural spaces. A combination that will whisk you away to other times, and that’s perfect for enjoying the best of rural tourism.
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Pedraza, Segovia
A small, medieval walled town that’s full of delights. Among them are its 12th century castle, arcaded main square (the Plaza Mayor) and an old prison, that today has been converted into a museum. And if you’re a nature lover, you’ll find the Las Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park very close by.
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Astorga, León
A place that’s full of impressive buildings of great artistic and historical importance. Such as its huge Plaza Mayor square, built on top of the remains of the ancient Roman forum, the Episcopal Palace, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, and its enormous Cathedral. And nearby you’ll find the wonderful natural landscapes of Las Médulas.
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Frías, Burgos
Here a medieval town complete with hanging house is waiting for you to visit and lose yourself in its cobbled streets. These will lead you to discover places such as the Castillo de los Duques, a fortress carved into the rock that dates from the 10th century, and the church of San Vicente Mártir. In the surrounding area you’ll discover a medieval bridge with none arches and a fortified tower in the middle.
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Peñafiel, Valladolid
This historic town was resettled in the year 912, and reconquered in 1013, when it was named after its conqueror as the peña más fiel [‘the most loyal rocky crag’] in all Castilla. The first thing you’ll see is the imposing 15th century medieval castle that stands way up on high. There are great views of the castle from another important spot, the Plaza del Coso square.
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Medinaceli, Soria
A town that’s packed with history, whose strategic position led different cultures to settle here over the course of the years. Here you’ll be able to visit what remains of some of them as you stroll through the streets, for example the Roman Arch that dates from the 1st century, the medieval castle, or the Palace of the Dukes of Medinaceli. And what’s more you can take a relaxing stroll and explore the old quarter, which has been declared a Property of Cultural Interest.
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Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca
This town has an important historical heritage, as you’ll see when the impressive city walls rise up in front of you just before you get there. Declared a historic and artistic complex of buildings in 1944, this medieval town with its cobbled streets and palaces has some sights worth visiting, such as the Romanesque Cathedral dating from 1165, the castle of Enrique II de Trastámara, constructed in 1372, and the 16th century building that today houses the Town Council.
These are some of the places that shouldn’t be missed if you want to discover rural Castilla y León, but there are a great many more.
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