Who hasn't turned their heads as they pass the 200 km way marker on the A-1, in order to contemplate Lerma's striking silhouette?

Lerma stands attractively on a hill on the banks of the Arlanza River and represents one of the best preserved examples of Herrerian architecture in the world.

In the seventeenth century, Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, Duke of Lerma and favourite of Philip III, ordered Lerma to be built as a place of rest and leisure to celebrate numerous baroque festivals and keep the king entertained, and also so he could rule from this stately villa.

Don Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, Duke of Lerma

Thanks to this urban transformation, today we find the well-preserved Ducal Palace, Collegiate Church, five convents, the Plaza Mayor (one of the largest in Spain), the viewpoint of the Arches, passageways, a shrine, etc. But there are also buildings of medieval origin, such as the Arco de la Cárcel (Prison Arch) and the bridge over the Arlanza River.

The Duke of Lerma is perhaps the best known figure in the history of Lerma, but many others visited and lived in the town, leaving their mark: the Cura Merino (famed independence fighter), José Zorrilla (well-known writer of the Romantic period), Baltasar Merino (renowned Jesuit botanist), Ramón de Santillán (Minister of Finance and first Governor of the Bank of Spain) and Hernando de Lerma (founder of the Argentine city of Salta), Lope de Vega (who dedicated his work 'La burgalesa de Lerma' to the town), among others.

Beyond contemplating its spectacular beauty, there is also plenty to enjoy and experience in Lerma, such as its protected natural spaces (SCI Ribera del Arlanza and its tributaries and SBPA Sabinares del Arlanza), and its delicious gastronomy: roasted suckling pig, black pudding from Burgos and Arlanza wine.

Throughout the year you can enjoy endless activities and festivities.

In terms of sporting activities, there is the Helios Challenge (ultra endurance race in MBT and duathlon formats), 'La Guerrillera' (mountain race), a volleyball championship, the San Silvestre race and golf tournaments.

Culture is well represented, with plenty of plays and concerts, in particular those related to the Baroque period (dramatized tours and organ concerts) and underground visits.

Historic representations and recreations are also popular in the area: Holy Week (notably the Living Passion), the Francesada (recreation of events from the War of Independence),

Ducal Palace, now Tourist Parador (hotel)

the Baroque Festival (which faithfully recreates the festivals organised by the Duke of Lerma in all its elements) and the Transfer of the Blessed Sacrament (recreation of the procession and inauguration of the Collegiate Church in 1617).

The festive atmosphere and tradition are evident in the Fiestas Patronales (main local festival), Romería de Manciles, Fiesta de San Antón (where an orange is rolled on a hill), Fiesta de San Blas (with the typical sweets of the season), Las Marzas and Carnival.

And of course, the National Agricultural Machinery Fair, one of the biggest and most important in Spain.

Wine tourism is very present in Lerma, as the town is home to the Regulatory Council of the Arlanza Denomination of Origin and the Arlanza Wine Route.

All this, added to the warmth and hospitality of the people of Lerma make our town a special place to enjoy a wonderful stay throughout the year.

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Here you can find all the activities taking place in the Comarca del Arlanza along with further information.