Regional information for Castile and Leon

Castile and León is one of the seventeen autonomous communities of Spain. It covers an area of 94,223 km² and is bordered by Asturias and Cantabria to the north with Aragon, the Basque Country and La Rioja to the east. The autonomous communities of Madrid and Castile-La Mancha lie to the southeast with Extremadura to the south, and Portugal and Galicia to the west.

The region roughly overlaps with the Spanish part of the Douro River basin, on the northern half of the Meseta Central, a vast plateau in the middle of the Iberian Peninsula. It also extends to some adjoining valleys, such as El Bierzo and many secluded mountain valleys such as Laciana, Valle de Mena, Valle del Tiétar, etc.

Castile and León is not only the largest region of Spain, but the largest region of all the European Union as well. The elevated plain has the mountain ranges of Sistema Iberico to the east, Cordillera Central to the south, Cordillera Cantabrica to the north and the Duero river towards Portugal.

Castile and León was formed in 1983, when the regions of Castilla la Vieja and Leon were united. Both have played key roles in Spanish medieval history, and their importance is still evident in the cathedrals, monasteries, castles and fortificated towns of the region, many of which are preserved in perfect state. Apart from its great monuments, Castile and León offers natural parks of a practically virginal nature, with woods of oaks and cork-oaks.

Gastronomy is distinguished by excellent meats, in particular lamb and vegetables like the famous creamy beans of Avila. Popular celebrations show a rich and varied folklore, often of archaical roots and almost unknown to a wider public.

Major Attractions in Castile and León

Salamanca

Salamanca’s great historical importance is due to its University, one of the oldest in Europe. It is a city of outstanding beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Burgos

This is a monumental town, which is well worth a visit. The famous cathedral, one of the greatest examples of Gothic style in Spain, is its most outstanding attraction. Archaeological deposits of Atapuerca, near the city of Burgos, where fossils of the one of the earliest known hominids in Europe have been found.

Avila

This is a beautiful historic town, which is entirely enclosed by impressive Romanesque walls.

Alcazar

Segovia

Segovia's most famous monument is certainly its colossal Roman aquaeductus, which dominates the entire town. Additional attractions include the Alcazar and the Gothic cathedral.

Leon

Formerly the capital of the region, it gave its name to the Community. The city's most famous monuments are; its great Gothic cathedral, the church Basilica de San Isidoro with valuable Romanesque frescoes in its crypt, and the San Marcos monastery of Renaissance period. Here too you can find the Casa de Botines, a neogothic styled building and an excellent example of the arquitecture of Antoni Gaudí. Close to Leon you may visit the legendary Roman gold mines Las Medulas.

Zamora

Zamora is a beautiful medieval town with a magnificent cathedral and several great Romanesque churches. Nearby there is the 8th Century Visigothic church San Pedro de la Nave and Lago de Sanabria, the largest lake of Spain and the only one of glacial origins.

Valladolid

The capital of Castilla y Leon has one of the most important sculpture museums of all Spain, and the famous Easter week processions are of great touristical interest. The city itself is monumental and in its surroundings there are numerous castles. It is said that in Valladolid the most correct Castilian Spanish is spoken.

Soria

In Soria you can see the magnificent Romanesque churches.

Palencia

Palencia is a medieval town with outstanding Romanesque monuments. Among the major attractions are the beautiful cathedral and the interesting archaeological museum.

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