Programs Castilla y León
Experiences | Activities
Tips
In this region, there are three old cities of special interest for those who visit Spain for tourism: Avila, Segovia, and Salamanca.
In Extremadura, near the border with Portugal, there is Mérida, a city of the Roman Era that preserves an important archaeological heritage. Castilla y León, a rugged plateau that offers beautiful views, it corresponds to the north center of Spain with borders on the eastside with Portugal.
Formed by the ancient kingdoms of Castile and Leon, gathered in the first half of the 11th century by Fernando I, the region had a profound influence on the history of the country and the banishment of Moorish people from Spanish territory. Its rich history has become the heir of a considerable beauty Roman, Medieval and Renaissance architectural heritage that includes walls, castles, churches, and cathedrals.
In Castilla y León there are some of the most beautiful cities throughout Spain: León, Burgos and another three cities considered World Heritage by UNESCO: Ávila, Segovia and Salamanca.
Must visit & Major attractions:
- Salamanca: The most interesting places are: the Plaza Mayor, the most beautiful square in the Baroque style of Spain; the Cathedral, which took 200 years to be built and therefore shows a mixture of styles ranging from Gothic to Baroque; the old Cathedral, a fine example of a transition between Roman and Gothic; the University; the Monterrey Palace and the Casa de Las Conchas.
- Segovia: this ancient city, was the center of the resistance against the Roman occupation. Capital in the times of the Arab domination, was, after the banishment of the Moorish people, became also a residence of numerous Castile kings. It was in Segovia, incidentally, that Isabel, the Catholic, was declared Queen of Castile. The most important sights to visit are the Cathedral, the museum, the Saint Vincent church and the walls, extremely well preserved - a fine example of medieval military architecture. Segovia preserves historical memories of its past, such as the medieval walls, the imposing Roman aqueduct, the "Royal Street" with beautiful 14th-century palaces, the Cathedral and the Alcázar, the residence of several kings, modified and reformed many times over its history.
- Avila: Avila, one of the oldest cities in Spain, has an origin that is lost in time. Fortified by the Romans, Avila was conquered by the Arabs in the 8th century. Recaptured at the end of the 11th century by the son-in-law of Alfonso VI of Castile, it became the preferred place for the Royal Family to live. In the 12th century, the walls of Avila were reinforced and gained the look we see today. Having been very prosperous in the Middle Ages, the city fell into decay in the early 1600s with the expulsion of the Moorish people.
- León: In addition to its lively historic center around the Plaza Mayor, Léon has among its attractions an important architectural heritage from different eras. The highlights are its ancient walls, medieval churches such as the splendid Gothic cathedral, the San Isidoro collegiate church in Spanish Romanesque style, and palaces such as the Casa de Botines, Casa de Los Guzmanes, and the Renaissance Hostal de San Marcos, transformed in Parador (hotel).
Gastronomy
Land of the manchego cheese, of velvety and bittersweet taste, an excellent company for a white wine like the verdejo, of the Rueda region. Also from this region comes the dry-aged Iberian Ham, mainly from the cities of Salamanca and Guijuelo, two jewels of this region.
Tortillas Al Ajillo with Potatoes is a typical northern dish, easily found in the Asturias and Leon region. Before being fried in an iron pan, the pork rib is broken into small pieces and marinated in dry white wine, coarse salt, and garlic cloves.
The buttery biscuit Polvorón is a typical Spanish Christmas holiday candy, much appreciated in the region of Castilla Y Léon, but can be found all over the country. There are several recipes of Polvorón, the most traditional and simple is made from wheat flour, shelled almonds, pork fat, refined sugar, and cinnamon.
Main events and festivities
Easter Holy Week Festivities - March or April
Carnival or Carnival Festival - February or March