It may not be one of the most touristic autonomous communities in Spain, but Castilla y León has a lot to offer the traveler: spectacular monuments, an exquisite and complete gastronomy, a great natural diversity, three UNESCO World Heritage cities (Ávila , Salamanca and Segovia); unique places such as the Atapuerca site or the Burgos Cathedral… Furthermore, it is important to bear in mind that the famous Camino de Santiago also passes through here.
One of the most unknown corners of Castilla y León is Palencia, a province located in the north of the region, which stands out above all for its concentration of Romanesque art monuments, one of the largest in all of Europe. Of course, if you have the opportunity to visit this place, you will not be able to miss some of its most typical dishes: Cervera meat, churro lamb, blinds from Saldaña, arms from San Lorenzo … So that you know Palencia a little more, today we are going to take a tour of some of its most beautiful towns, although we are aware that we have left beautiful towns in the pipeline. Therefore, we are open to suggestions.
Ampudia
First of all, we want to talk about Ampudia, a town located in the area known as Tierra de Campos. It is a magnificent example of typically Castilian architecture and layout. Highlights its old town, declared a Site of Cultural Interest, its imposing Castle and the Collegiate Church of San Miguel.
Carrión de los Condes
Carrión de los Condes was a town of great importance in the old Jacobean routes. If you have the opportunity to visit it, you will see that its medieval origin is manifested in its old town and in some monuments. The church of Santa María del Camino, the convent of Santa Calara and the monastery of San Zoilo stand out.
Aguilar del Campoo
Aguilar del Campoo, a key town on the Palencia Romanesque itinerary, could not be missing from this list. Dominated by a castle from the 12th century, it houses some important monuments, such as the collegiate church of San Miguel or the monastery of Santa María la Real.
Fromista
The town of Frómista is considered the capital of Palencia Romanesque. A place of passage on the Camino de Santiago, it houses religious buildings of great heritage value, such as the churches of San Pedro and Santa María, the hermitage of Santiago and, of course, the church of San Martín. In addition, two kilometers from the urban center, vestiges of what this place could have been before the Arab occupation, in Roman times, have been found.
Spectrum
Another town that we want to recommend is Gama, a town that had a certain relevance during medieval times. In fact, his castle, now in ruins, came to rival that of Aguilar de Campoo. The church of San Andrés stands out, a good example of Romanesque architecture in Palencia.
Owners
In the Canal de Castilla, one of the most unique routes in Castilla y León, we find Dueñas, a town surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape that has an old town declared a Site of Cultural Interest. Among its many monuments we want to highlight the church of Santa María de la Asunción, the convent of San Agustín, the hermitage of Los Remedios, the Hospital de Santiago, the Palacio de los Buendía and the Plaza de España.
Villalcázar de Sirga
We continue our journey through the most beautiful towns of Palencia in Villalcázar de Sirga, which is located on the Camino de Santiago. Its monumental church of Santa María la Blanca is considered the Romanesque-pointed Sistine Chapel.
Amusco
Finally, we want to talk about Amusco, which stands out above all for the church of San Pedro, also known as the “Pajarón de Campos” because it reminds us of a reclining bird from afar. The hermitage of Nuestra Señora de las Fuentes is also worth discovering.
Related article: The most beautiful towns in Castilla y León