Travel Guide Ciudad Rodrigo

Perched on its hill and surrounded by walls, the old town of more than 12,600 inhabitants has preserved its medieval charm intact, despite the many confrontations it faced in the early 19th century. Dominated by the imposing mass of the castle built on this isolated hill, it is now home to the sumptuous Parador Enrique II, where you can have a drink before setting off into the town's narrow streets. Be sure to visit the cathedral, built from the 12th to the 14th century in a harmonious mix of architectural styles. With its elegant emblazoned mansions and palaces, the old town as a whole bears the mark of the flourishing Golden Age. The palaces of Altares, Montarco, Castro and the town hall in the Plaza Mayor are particularly noteworthy. At carnival time, the main square and the surrounding streets are transformed into a vast bullfighting arena. This village is also part of the club of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Nearby, about 20 km to the northwest, don't miss the archaeological site of Siega Verde, a magnificent collection of Paleolithic rock art.