Spain Castile. Guide to Castile and Leon: where to live, where to stay, what to see and how to get to the region. Attractions and entertainment

Castile and Leon (Castile and Leon) is an autonomous community in the north-west of Spain with the capital Valladolid.

Castile-and-Leon is a peaceful region with a glorious collection of castles, even the name speaks of it (castilla in the lane “castle country”). This is the real core of Spain, free from intrusive stereotypes, beckoning to the endless plains and masterpieces of architecture.

Castile and Leon are a huge region of Spain, the birthplace of the classical Spanish language. Everything else is dialects. On its territory, most of the historical monuments of almost all periods of human life have been preserved - from the ancient Romans to the present. There are especially many castles and fortresses, which is even reflected in the name - Castile.

You can appreciate the landscapes and sights of Castile and Leon by watching this video:

What makes this region special? The famous Alcazar fortress in the city of Segovia, the ancient Roman aqueduct in the same place, the cathedrals in Salamanca, Zamora and Leon, the ruins of the first civilized human settlements in Atapuerca, palaces and museums in the former Spanish capital - Valladolid.

Castile and Leon are widely known among winemakers around the world - they produce the best wine brands in Spain. One of the varieties is Prince William's favorite wine from the UK.

Every year in this region, many holidays and festivals are held, which are celebrated with a truly Spanish scale: people carefully prepare for each of them. The following events attracted the most attention of tourists:

Leon Carnival in February - various costume parades take place on the streets, theatrical performances are on the go, traditional music is heard everywhere, and people dance national dances. Participants choose the queen of the carnival and even hold separate events for children.

Holy Week is celebrated everywhere in the month of April, but the holiday in Valladolid attracts a huge number of spectators. 19 fraternities take part in the main procession, which moves along the streets of the historic city center.

Castile and Leon Folk Art Festival - traditionally held in the first half of June. At this time, the city is one large theater in which performances are held here and there, street performances are given. Each person from the world of art seeks to show everything that he can.

The sales season in Castile and Leon is the same as everywhere: right after the New Year until the end of February and in the summer from the second half of July to the end of August. At the beginning, the discounts are not very large, but a large assortment of goods. At the end of sales, discounts can be up to 70-80 percent of the initial cost of goods, but the range is already poorer.

Geographical differences

In the landscape of autonomy plains abound interspersed with small mountains. Back in the Middle Ages, local forests were turned into pastures. But the remaining forests are amazing, for example, in the vicinity of Salamanca, the forest has sheltered rare animals, such as the mountain goat of the Pyrenees and mountain cat.

Climate

The climate of Castile-Leon is continental Mediterranean with long cold winters (2-4 ° in January), as well as short, dry and warm summers (19-22 ° C). Mountains trap wet winds from the coast. Many villages are forced to fight - in the summer with heat, and in the winter with cold.

How to get and move on the spot

Why go

The main purpose of the trip to Castile and Leon is its magnificent architecture. Entire neighborhoods and even entire cities (Segovia) are included in the UNESCO World Heritage. This is the land of castles, delicious meat dishes and lovely villages. The mountains here are perfect for winter ski holidays.

When to go

In March-April, the exciting action of Holy Week takes place, in June - a fiesta in Burgos, Segovia and Soria, and in September the student holidays of Salamanca. In winter you can ski.

Cultural and historical differences

It was Castile and Leon who led the Reconquista - the conquest of the land from the Moors back to the Christians, and also returned most of the New World. Castile is the patrimony of the Spanish aristocracy, and the Castilian dialect formed the basis of the literary Spanish language. And in spite of all these merits, the Castilians are reputed to be jets that overestimate their own significance.

Castile festivities are bizarre, for example, jumping through babies after the feast of the Body of Christ from Castillo de Murcia or walking on red coals on St. John's Day in San Pedro Manrika. Valladolid is a capital and a city in which a lot is connected with the name of Cervantes.

What to see

Castile and Leon, perhaps the richest in sights region of Spain. Since here once was the political center of the country, then in Valladolid and around it there are many magnificent palaces and estates. Being centers of endless battles with the Moors, almost every self-respecting village has acquired its own fortified fort to repel the attacks of the invaders. We have collected the top 10 most worthy places that can not be missed.

Aqueduct in Segovia - the most photographed object in all of Castile - Leon. This construction of the ancient Romans on the territory of Spain is best preserved, despite the fact that it is almost 2000 years old.

Cathedral in Burgos - The construction of this cathedral began at the beginning of the 13th century. The construction took several centuries, so the building contains elements of various styles. The windows are richly decorated with stained glass windows.

The fortress wall in the city of Avila (Avila) - the wall stretched for as much as 2.5 kilometers, serving as protection for the inhabitants of the old city. During the development of the city, the wall was repeatedly completed and rebuilt. In terms of size, this structure is second only to the famous Great Wall of China and is the largest fortress wall in all of Europe.

- This is a huge maze of grooves and caves near the city of Burgos. The remains of ancient people were found in them, according to which one can trace the evolution of man as a species. As happened many times, this find was made by chance during the construction of the railway.

Alcazar of Segovia - it is not known exactly when this fortress was built, but it is reliably clear that this happened even during the reign of the Romans in these places. Under it are many underground passages and secret rooms.

Basilica of St. Isidore in Leon (Leon) - a famous building in the Romanesque style. Thanks to the relics of St. James, which are stored here, this basilica has become one of the most revered Christian shrines.

Main square in Salamanca - A beautiful square, the buildings around which are built in the Baroque style. They all have the same height and similar decorative elements. The square is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in all of Spain.

- The former capital boasts a beautiful cathedral in which skilled craftsmen richly decorated it inside and out.

- A beautiful architectural monument has preserved many masterpieces of art inside, each of which deserves special attention.

- initially a rather modest structure was rebuilt in the 16th century and acquired its present pompous appearance. And in the university library is the richest collection of 160,000 volumes.

The main places and cities of attractions

Segovia is an ancient city and the epicenter of the region's attractions:

1. Grand Ancient Roman Aqueduct;
2. Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso;
3. Alcazar Castle, which became the prototype of the Disneyland logo.

Other interesting cities:

1. Salamanca attracts with its refined sandstone buildings of the Renaissance;
2. Avila with its fortress wall and castle is the very embodiment of a fairy tale;
3. In Burgos and Leon, which lie on the pilgrimage route of St. James, there are the most grandiose cathedrals in the Gothic style;
4. Authentic villages of La Alberca and Covarrubias.

What to do in Castile and Leon

You can study Castile and Leon endlessly - in every town and every village a huge number of attractions. But still, you should not try to grasp the immensity, but limit yourself to twenty compulsory things that are worth doing:

1. Drink a glass of British Prince Charles’s favorite wine from wineries near Valladolid. I wonder what's so special about him?
2. Go into the reading room of the University Library in Salamanca - how long it will take to read all these works! And also to find the main sign that promises students successful passing the exams - a small figure of a frog sitting on one of the skulls on the ornate walls.
3. Taking a selfie against the background of the aqueduct in Segovia is not without reason this is the most popular object in the photographs of tourists who were here.
4. Sit in a cafe overlooking the Main Square in Salamanca. This is a perfectionist’s paradise - the buildings are the same in height, the same style. Bliss!
5. Visit one of the Christian shrines - the Basilica of St. Isidore in Leon.
6. Go to the Cathedral in Valladolid and marvel at the beauty of the decor.
7. Climb to Alcazar and imagine the many battles and sieges that this mighty fortress withstood. And if it turns out to go down into the mysterious dungeon, then this is a great success!
8. Try to guess what is depicted near the ruins of Atapuerka - the silhouette of a horse or bear. Unfortunately, there is no single right answer.
9. Walk along the entire fortress wall in Avila - how did you manage to create such a miracle of defensive art so many centuries ago!
10. Compare the interior of the Cathedral in Burgos - almost every more or less large settlement of Castile and Leon has its own cathedral and it is almost impossible to find two similar ones.
11. Go around all the exquisite sights of Salamanca.
12. Trekking through the forests and ridges of the Sierra de France and Sierra de Bahar in the outskirts of Salamanca.
13. Visit the fabulous Segovia with its Disneyland castle and legends.
14. See the world through a mysterious light through the stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Leon.
15. Forget about the hustle and bustle among the sweet houses of the Sierra de France.
16. Surrender to dreams, walking along the cobbled streets of the mysterious Medinaceli;
17. Taste the roasted lamb or milk pig on the top of the hill in the picturesque city of Lerma or Sepulveda.
18. Visit the historic village of Kovarrubias, where the style of the houses resembles a half-timbered house.
19. Buy local specialties at the Sunday market of the beautiful village of La Alberca.
20. See Gothic in all its grandeur in Burgos or Leon.

Shopping (What and where to buy)

In Castile and Leon, there are large shopping centers and chain supermarkets that sell everything you need. We collected tourist reviews and selected the top 5 most popular souvenirs from this region:

1. Wine - hundreds of brands leave here in the luggage of tourists to subsequently recall beautiful Spain.
2. Figures depicting Holy Week participants in traditional clothes are the most popular trifle in memory of the trip.
3. Frogs from Segovia - a souvenir promising prosperity and good luck in all endeavors.
4. Charro Buttons - a unique element in many jewelry of Castile and Leon.
5. A copy of the aqueduct - in any expression: magnet, mug, figurine, image on a T-shirt and so on. The fantasy of souvenir manufacturers is limitless in that sense.

Where to live

In Castile and Leon, a large number of good and affordable hotels for numerous guests of this region. We have selected the top 5 most worthy of reviews of tourists:

1. Exe Casa de Los Linajes (Calle Doctor Velasco 9, 40003 Segovia) - the excellent location and unique atmosphere of the hotel will not leave anyone indifferent. Comfortable rooms and delicious breakfasts are included.
2. Parador de Segovia (Carretera Valladolid s / n, 40003 Segovia) - an unusual design and a gorgeous view of the old city. Spacious rooms equipped with everything necessary for a good stay.
3. Ibis Valladolid (Avenida Euro 7 | Centrolid, Ronda Norte, 47009 Valladolid) - 24-hour reception, international standards of service, comfortable rooms. Free parking for guests by car.
4. Eurostars Leon (Calle Velazquez 18, 24005 Leon) - a good location 15 minutes from the main attractions. Just around the corner is a large shopping center. Comfortable rooms with modern technology.
5. Apartahotel Exe Campus San Mames (Calle Vegamian 13, 24007 Leon) is a small hotel in a quiet area near the city center. Large rooms and delicious breakfasts.

Plan of tours, tours for 1-3-7 days

We made a rather detailed trip plan for Castile and Leon, based on the reviews and impressions of experienced tourists.

What and where is

In each Spanish region, cuisine and dishes have their own special features. Castile and Leon are no exception. We selected the top 5 must-try dishes of traditional cuisine:

1. Milk piglet is a piglet entirely baked in spices, the meat of which becomes surprisingly tender and aromatic.
2. Trout soup - despite the fact that it is mainly a meat region, but fish dishes are also regularly prepared here.
3. Cheeses - there are a huge number of them for every taste and color in the literal sense of the word, as some cheeses add special mold to their production, which gives the finished product an original shade.
4. Wine - ask the store seller for a brand of wine made from grapes growing off the banks of the Douro River, considered the most suitable for winemaking.
5. Black sausage Morsilla - it can be safely called the gastronomic symbol of the city of Burgos.

Kitchen

The Castilian cuisine is predominantly meat: baked milk pigs, fried lamb, bloodsucker, smoked Kantipalos sausage, Guichelo ham and Saratan sausages. The second product of the region is cheese - from young to blue cheese. Among local wines, Ribera del Duero wines should be noted.

Best excursions by reviews

Tourists are not always able to learn everything about the region on their own. We recommend that you pay attention to the following excursions:

1. City Museum of Segovia - a professional guide will take you through the winding streets and show a direct connection between Rome and this Spanish city.
2. Segovia's wine cellars are an opportunity to visit the best and most famous wine workshops, as well as to understand how to taste good wine and how to distinguish it from low-quality fakes.
3. Walking tour in Leon - in this city the largest number of architectural monuments of different eras has been preserved.
4. Unknown Salamanca - this city is considered one of the oldest existing in Spain. Its central square is one of the most beautiful in this country.
5. Walking around Burgos - only by walking personally through the streets of this city, you can feel its unique atmosphere and rhythm.

You can see the beauty of Segovia in this author’s video:

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This is reflected in heraldry. In 1475, and adopted a new emblem. This emblem represented the two largest public entities of the Iberian Peninsula of the late 15th century: the kingdoms of Castile and Leon and the kingdom.

The emblem of the Catholic kings consisted of a shield divided into quarters. in which the emblems of the kingdom alternated (on a red background there is an image of a golden castle, with three turrets, with windows and an azure gate), the kingdom (a reared purple lion crowned with a gold crown), the kingdom (four stripes of red on a gold background) and (on gold background four stripes of red, with two images of eagles). Later, after the conquest of Granada in 1492, its emblem was added to the coat of arms (on a silver background there is an image of a pomegranate with two green leaves). To the left of the shield was an image of a yoke with a Gordian knot and the motto of the agreement between the spouses “Tanto monta”, on top of which was the letter “F” - the initial of the name; To the right of the shield was an image of a bunch of arrows, on top of which was marked with the letter “Y” - the initial of the name. For the first time, the eagle of John the Theologian appears on this Spanish coat of arms as a shield holder.

States in the territory

Castile and Leon
Kingdom of Castile and Leon, Castile crown
Corona de castilla

The election by the German emperor in 1519 provoked the discontent of the Spaniards and led to an uprising komuneros - Castilian cities led by Toledo in 1520-1522, which did not want to submit to his Dutch advisers. The rebels were pacified, but they had to abandon the idea of \u200b\u200bcapturing the crowns of the Spanish kingdoms: he remained only a regent under the queen, who had lost her mind and was imprisoned in the castle of Tordesillas.

When Spain entered the era of absolutism. Declaring an amnesty for the participants in the uprising komunerosAt the same time, Karl took advantage of the fear that the movement had overtaken by the nobility in order to narrow down old privileges and liberties. Cortes were subordinate to the king and implicitly supplied him with money for the wars that they waged. Along with this, in Spain itself due to exorbitant taxes, agriculture, crafts and trade fell into decay. Not only the nobility, but also the peasants and townspeople sought war and public service; they looked at other urban and rural occupations with contempt. The church owned large expanses of land that came to her to the detriment of the direct heirs; these lands were empty or turned into pastures, and the amount of cultivated land was decreasing more and more. Hardworking moriski oppressed and driven out, thousands of Spaniards were sent by the Inquisition to bonfires, every creep to freedom was suppressed. Trade fell into the hands of foreigners who benefited, both from Spain and from its colonies.

Spain, while continuing to play a leading role in the great geographical discoveries, organized in 1519 an expedition of Magellan with the aim of finding the western path to the spice-rich Southeast Asia. During the years of his reign, the most important events of the Conquista took place - the conquest of Mexico by Cortes and the Inca empire - Pizarro. However, the precious metals from the mines of Mexico and Chile did not go to the development of the economy, but to numerous wars.

Castile and Leon (Castilla y León) - A vast area located on the Meseta plateau, interesting with magnificent landscapes, a vibrant historical past and monumental monuments.

Castile and Leon - the largest region in Spain. The territory of this region extends from the border with Portugal in the west to Rioja and Aragonin the east. Landscape Castile and Leon flat and monotonous. The monotony of the relief is only occasionally disturbed by small hills.

History

Castile and Leon - This is the cradle of the Reconquista. It was from these lands that the unification of all Spanish lands and the development of the Spanish language (castellano) began.

In the Middle Ages, in the northern part of the plateau, there were two independent kingdoms - Leon and Castile (Castilla), which were united by King Fernardo I in 1037. The modern province of Castile and Leon was created as a result of the adoption of the 1983 independence decree, when there was a unification of the two historical areas (Leon and Old Castile, from which Santander and Logrono separated).

Attractions and relaxation

When traveling around the region, attention is attracted by a large number of well-preserved ancient cathedrals, monasteries, cloisters, and small churches. After the grandeur of the monumental heritage of the cities, the simplicity of the plain landscapes of natural parks and the splendor of the mountains are pleasing to the eye. Winter sports are very popular in Castile and Leon. More than a dozen modern ski resorts are open every winter in the region. Summer and spring are especially popular. cooking routes by area.

Cities

Segovia (Segovia), a small city with a preserved atmosphere of the past, beautiful monuments, churches, ancient fountains and courtyards attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world and is included in the list of world monuments of the Cultural heritage of mankind. Roman Aqueduct (Acueducto de Segovia) - the most famous monument in the city. It was built under the emperor Trajan three thousand years ago. The stone blocks of 167 arches and spans are not fastened to each other at a distance of 15 kilometers. Royal Palace Alcázar (Alcázar de Segovia) - It looks like a medieval fortress, although after the fire of 1828 it was reconstructed and repaired. The palace, located on the outskirts of the city, was a popular resting place for the kings of Castile. The Alcazar has many underground rooms and secret passages that reach the river and are connected with other palaces of the city. In addition to the aqueduct and the royal palace, the city has many other monuments of various eras - several magnificent Romanesque churches, a large gothic cathedral.

Salamanca was famous already in its Renaissance university - one of the first in Europe founded in 1218. Now the city is famous for its beautiful Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals, the picturesque main square with arcades and the building of the Renaissance university.

Burgosis the city of one cathedral. The construction of the cathedral lasted 5 centuries and today it is the most beautiful in Spain and the third largest after the cathedrals of Seville and Toledo.

Avila - The city is located at an altitude of 1131 meters above sea level. The symbol of the city are medieval fortress walls (Muralla de Avila), a powerful military fortification of the Romanesque period. Basilica of San Vicente (Basilica de San Vicente)built right into the ramparts.

Leon- The ancient capital of the kingdom, is on the way of the pilgrims to the relics of St. James. This ancient city has preserved many monuments of ancient architecture. The old city is still surrounded by a high fortified wall. Inside there are two outstanding historical monuments - the church San isidoro (San Isidoro) (XII century) with a crypt decorated with Romanesque frescoes and Gothic cathedral with numerous stained-glass windows - the brightest example of the era french gothic architecture. Convent of San Marcos - a magnificent building of the Renaissance, located on the beach, rebuilt in the last century into a hotel of the highest category (parador).

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Autonomous community Castile and Leon, which once represented two separate kingdoms, today is located in the northwest, in the immediate vicinity of the border with, forming a single region. Here, the architecture of ancient cities and plain natural landscapes intertwine, sometimes diluted by low green hills.

Features

The region consists of 9 provinces with its administrative centers. These include Avila, Burgos, Leon, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid and Zamora. Each of the provinces is divided into districts and cities. Of great importance for the economy of Castile and Leon is agriculture, which is expressed in the abundance of agricultural land, vineyards and pastures. The monotony of landscapes makes the appearance of the region somewhat monotonous, but the beauty of ancient buildings, in the form of medieval castles, cathedrals and monasteries, as well as other bright sights in its cities, greatly smooths this picture, allowing you to enjoy a rich excursion program. The fauna is extremely diverse here, including the presence of Iberian wolves, brown bears, wild boars, roe deer, foxes, squirrels, as well as various species of birds and other representatives of flora and fauna. Despite the fact that the region is not one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, it also has a fair share of charm and gives a lot of pleasant emotions to travel lovers.

general information

The territory of the region covers an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 94,000 square meters. km, taking on this indicator 1st place in the country. The population in this case is about 2.5 million people. Residents speak Castilian (Spanish). Local time is 1 hour behind the Moscow time in the summer and 2 in the winter. The time zone is UTC + 1 and UTC + 2 in the summer. Official website www.jcyl.es.

A brief excursion into history

Like many other territories of present-day Spain, in ancient times, these lands were inhabited by Celtic tribes, and in 201, before the advent of our era, after the victory over Hannibal, the Romans became the new rulers of the entire Iberian Peninsula. From the 5th century, the power of Rome began to fade away and the barbarian tribes began to break through various sections of its border. In 411, a division of the territory occurred, when Castile and Leon were divided between the Romans and the Suevs. After the fall of the empire, the region was first subjected to the conquest of the Visigoths, and then of the Arabs. In 718, north of the Cantabrian Mountains, Christians created the state of Asturias, with which the Reconquista process began. During this period, the region’s lands were literally depopulated due to devastating wars, and the Moors built many fortresses designed to protect against Asturians. During the XI-XII centuries, the kingdoms of Castile and Leon united twice, but both times eventually again formed separate states. The final unification of the two crowns happened in 1230, during the reign of Ferdinand III. The following centuries were marked by political upheavals, epidemics and wars. In the XIX century, the region experienced significant economic growth, significantly raising the socio-cultural level of the population. Castile and Leon received the status of autonomy in the early 80s of the last century.

Climate

The region is characterized by a continental-Mediterranean climate. The average air temperature in the winter months is +5 degrees, and in the summer rises to +20, while the heat is not often. Precipitation mainly falls in the mountainous regions from November to March, and summer, especially in the lowlands, is usually dry and sunny. You can come here at any time of the year. In winter, you can ski from the picturesque slopes of the Cantabrian Mountains, and in summer take unforgettable walks along rivers and lakes, breathing in the life-giving air saturated with fresh aromas of herbs and plants.

How to get there

The largest international airport in the region is 10 km away. Also, flights from different European cities take airports, and.

Transport

Important railway junctions of Castile and Leon are Miranda de Ebro and Ponferrada. In addition, all areas are interconnected by bus. A taxi runs on the roads of the region around the clock, but you can always use a car rental service if you wish.

Main cities

The capital of Castile and Leon is located along the banks of the Pisuerga River. Here are several large factories, as well as a number of interesting sights worthy of attention. In addition, one of the oldest film festivals in Europe is held in the city, thanks to which such outstanding personalities as Andrzej Wajda, Francois Truffaut, Federico Fellini, Luis Bunuel and other celebrities achieved world fame. The ancient city, which once had the status of the capital of the kingdom of the same name, attracts with its old buildings and high fortified walls erected centuries ago. The historical center of the city, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, also seems to be an extremely interesting object for research. The most interesting cities in the region also include Avila, and Salamanca.

Attractions and entertainment

Among the most famous architectural structures of the region, the Basilica of St. Isidore and the Monastery of St. Mark in Leon, the Roman aqueduct and the Alcazar Castle in Segovia, the Old and New Cathedrals of Salamanca, the majestic walls of the Old Town and the elegant palaces in Avila, the Church of San Pablo and the Museum of Christopher Columbus in Valladolid. In various areas there are many medieval castles of interest to lovers of antiquities. Numerous festive events held in many cities throughout the year are of great importance for the residents of the region. Of the most popular, it is worth noting the Feast of the Epiphany in Banos de Serrato, the carnival in Cuellar, held during Holy Week, the August bull race in Toro, the Palencia rowing slalom festival in Alar del Rey, the bull carnival in Ciudad Rodrigo and Of course, the Valladolid International Film Festival, held since 1956. On April 23, the region celebrates Castile and Leon Day. There are a lot of opportunities for exciting leisure activities in the region, so it doesn’t get bored here.

Kitchen

Given that Castile and Leon are the breadbasket of Spain, the variety of dishes presented in the local restaurants is extremely diverse. First of all, Castilian cuisine is famous for fried meat, excellent wines, delicious sausages and cheeses, as well as an abundance of sweets. The most common dish in the province of Leon is botillo soup, in Soria Sopas, in Burgos pork blood sausage with onions, rice and spices - Morsilla de Burgos, in Palencia vegetable stew Menestra de Verduras. Excellent wines are made in the Duero Valley, as well as in the areas of Toro, Rueda and Sigales.

Shopping

In shops, souvenir shops and markets of cities in the region, guests are invited to purchase numerous goods for every taste, from clothes and jewelry to fine wines and delicious sweets, packed in beautiful gift boxes.

Castile and Leon is a classic Spanish province that embodies the culture and traditions of the local population that have developed over many years. Here you can fully immerse yourself in the unforgettable provincial atmosphere and get a lot of vivid impressions from being in this picturesque agricultural land.