Palencia

The city of Palencia is situated on the banks of the Carrión River, in the natural region of Tierra de Campos. A truly unique place where you can breathe typically Castilian air.

The historical origins of the current city are little known. It seems that Celtiberian tribes settled in the area creating a core they called "Pallantia". Few remains from the Roman period survive. The most notable is the so-called Puentecillas bridge, which was actually remodelled in the medieval period. In turn, remains such as the mosaic featuring Medusa's head right in the centre have been found, now preserved in the National Archaeological Museum.

Few traces from the Visigoth period have reached the present. It is known that the city was an episcopal see and seemed to gain some importance at the peninsular level. At the same time, remains such as the Crypt of San Antolín, the current crypt of the Cathedral, have been preserved. The city was taken by the Muslims and then a process of depopulation began. From its capture by the Astur-Leonese kings, the city that has reached the present day began to develop. Since the 11th century, Palencia became a reference city in the cloth industry. During this period, buildings such as the Cathedral, the Church of San Miguel, the San Pablo Convent, the Monastery of Las Claras, or the Church of San Francisco were constructed. A heritage ensemble that still endures today.

Today we see a modern, transformed city that also possesses a series of buildings and heritage elements that transport us to medieval times. A combination of a not-so-distant past with modernity. This is well reflected in the city's museums, notably the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Its typically Castilian gastronomy, which can be enjoyed in numerous taverns, bars, and restaurants, is combined with very popular festivities and events. Thus, it is worth mentioning Palencia's Holy Week and its various processions, as well as music festivals like Palencia Sonora, which increasingly attracts more lovers of pop and rock.

Awarded in 2010 as the "most sustainable city in Spain", Palencia boasts quite well-maintained natural surroundings around the river. Its typically Castilian landscape is truly beautiful and worthy of a visit.