Walk through the town of Puebla de Sanabria

The medieval town climbs from the River Tera to the castle, along streets of slate and granite between houses with coats of arms. It is declared a historic ensemble for its monuments and for a civil architecture protected by walled enclosures, and belongs to the association Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España (The Most Beautiful Villages of Spain). It can be seen in an hour on foot, uphill, and it is the best way to start a stay in Sanabria.

A little history

Puebla was repopulated in the 12th century as the head of the territory. By 1220 it was already a stronghold facing Portugal, and in the 13th century it was one of the most important military bases in the kingdom. The Counts of Benavente, lords of the town for four centuries, built the castle. Outside the walls the suburb of San Francisco grew, when the enclosure became too small.

What to see at the top

At the top are the Plaza Mayor, the town hall and the church of Nuestra Señora del Azogue. The Casa Consistorial (town hall) dates from the 15th century, built of rubble masonry with ashlar blocks at the corners and a main façade of lighter granite. The Azogue church, also called Santa María la Mayor, dates from the 12th century and preserves Romanesque remains, with capitals on the main doorway and later additions. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00 (Mass on Sunday at 12:30) and is free. The chapel of San Cayetano, next door, also free, is closed on Tuesdays.

On the same height is the castle of the Counts of Benavente, with the tourist office inside. The joint castle ticket includes the Giants and Big-Heads museum (Gigantes y Cabezudos): 33 big-headed figures and 10 giants that have paraded through the streets since the mid-19th century at the fiestas of the Victorias.

Parking and going up

In the Plaza Mayor you can only park out of season: not during Easter Week, nor on weekends from Easter Week to 30 June, nor from 1 July to 30 September. On those days leave the car below, beside the river, and walk up. The slope is short but steep and cobbled: with a pushchair it is hard going, and in the rain the stone is slippery.

When to go

All year round. On weekdays outside summer it is quiet; in August and on long weekends, full. Since 2017 its medieval market has been a festival of tourist interest in Castilla y León. For eating in the town, see La Posada or La Cartería; for sleeping, the Parador. For opening times and information on everything else, call in at the tourist office.