Must-sees of Ciudad Rodrigo

The wall of Ciudad Rodrigo, with an extension of about 2 km, completely surrounds its well-preserved historic center, offering a unique view of the walled city. This fortification, of great historical and architectural value, allows access to the old town through six main gates: La Colada, Sancti-Spiritus, Amayuelas, Puerta del Conde, Puerta del Sol and Puerta de Santiago. Each of them has unique characteristics that reflect different periods and architectural styles, bearing witness to the evolution of the city over the centuries.

The Plaza Mayor of Ciudad Rodrigo is the nerve center of the city, where markets were once held and scribes met. Here stood the Church of San Juan, which housed the monument of the Three Columns and the Consistory, first in the cloister of the church and then in the elegant Renaissance building that now presides over the square. This building, dating from the sixteenth century, is notable for its bell-shaped arches and two flanking towers, with coats of arms of Spain, the Town Hall and the Corregidor. The square is also home to the Antigua Audiencia Real, now tourist lodging, and the Palacio del Primer Marqués de Cerralbo, an impressive example of Renaissance architecture. All these buildings are open to the public.

Ordered to be built in the 16th century by Don Antonio del Águila, the fortress's main lieutenant and warden, the palace was enlarged in the 17th century. Its impressive Renaissance façade, with enormous voussoirs, stands out for its beauty. Above, an alfiz with the family coat of arms is topped by a lion and an eagle, symbols of the owner family. When you go through this door, you enter the magnificent two-story Plateresque courtyard, where some rooms house exhibitions (check opening hours). Queen Catalina de Braganza stayed here.

The church of Nuestra Señora de Santa María began its construction in the 12th century, in a Romanesque style of transition to Gothic. It has a Latin cross plan, with three naves and a transept. It has three doorways: to the north, the Portada del Enlosado (13th century), with a penta lobed arch, archivolts and a rose window. In the south, the Portada de las Cadenas, with a semicircular arch and sculptures of the year 1200 representing the Savior and apostles. In the west, the Tower of the Bells, affected by impacts of the War of Independence. The interior stands out for its Choir and Cloister. It is also possible to climb the tower, going up more than a hundred steps.

The Castle of Ciudad Rodrigo, erected at the end of the 14th century on the highest and steepest part of the city, was built for strictly defensive purposes. Its imposing three-story keep is one of the most outstanding elements and can be visited from the inside. Since 1931, the castle has housed a Parador Nacional, making it one of the oldest in Spain. Today, it is possible to access its gardens, the keep, as well as enjoy its restaurant and cafeteria, even without accommodation.

Description Águeda River