Cities in Castile and León

A historic city that was once the capital of the unified kingdom of Castile and León and an important stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Founded in 884, Burgos is dominated by its magnificent Gothic cathedral and preserves a medieval old town with numerous historic buildings. The city has a rich cultural heritage as the birthplace of El Cid, the national hero of Spain, and sits along the banks of the Arlanzón River, offering beautiful riverside promenades.

Picturesque mountain village with well-preserved medieval architecture and strong traditional character

Founded as a Roman military camp in the 1st century BC, León became the capital of the Kingdom of León in the Middle Ages and played a crucial role in the Reconquista. The city features an impressive Gothic cathedral with spectacular stained glass windows, a Romanesque basilica, and a historic quarter filled with tapas bars and plazas. As an important stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, León combines religious heritage with a lively social atmosphere and university town energy.

Built on a hilltop at about 1210 meters above sea level overlooking the Jalón valley, Medinaceli is most famous for housing the only three-gated Roman arch in Spain from the 1st-3rd centuries AD. This ancient town was once a strategic Islamic stronghold and later became the seat of the Dukes of Medinaceli. Its perfectly preserved medieval layout offers visitors a journey through time with its narrow cobblestone streets and historic architecture.

A UNESCO World Heritage city known for its stunning sandstone architecture, magnificent Plaza Mayor, and prestigious university founded in 1134. The "Golden City" features two cathedrals, numerous palaces, and a vibrant cultural scene centered around its historic university, which is one of the oldest in Europe.

A historic city famous for its magnificent Roman aqueduct, fairytale-like Alcázar, and elegant Gothic cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage city features perfectly preserved medieval walls, Renaissance palaces, and Romanesque churches. The city's dramatic setting on a rocky limestone ridge between two rivers adds to its spectacular beauty.

Known for its perfectly preserved medieval walls, Ávila is one of Spain's highest provincial capitals with an altitude of 1,131 meters. Founded in the 11th century to protect Spanish territories from Moorish invasions, the city is the birthplace of Saint Teresa and maintains a mystical atmosphere with its numerous churches and convents. The impressive stone walls with 88 towers and 9 gates encircle the old town, creating one of the best examples of a medieval fortified city in Europe.