Castilla y León

Lerma is a small town (pop. 2,500), which occurred by Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, Marqués de Denia and Duke of Lerma (1553-1625) in the early 17th century. He was a grandson of the General Jesuit Francisco de Borja and a leading representative of the counter -reformation in Spain. He was also a favorite and minister of King Philipp III. In 1601, he commissioned the architect Francisco de Mora, which was already active in the construction of the Escorial, with the planning and establishment of his new ducal palace, which was only completed in 1617. The building was used as a prison during the Spanish Civil War. Today it hosts a Parador hotel. paradores.es/es/parador-de-lerma?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvvmzBhA2EiwAtHVrb7ZZmz4kn8WAsqUwUrO4-Xft5K-OGXjGAfwEFxCEGD-17x1to-xtqRoC-c4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Lerma is a small town (pop. 2,500), which occurred by Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, Marqués de Denia and Duke of Lerma (1553-1625) in the early 17th century. He was a grandson of the General Jesuit Francisco de Borja and a leading representative of the counter -reformation in Spain. Sunset over the Plaza Mayor

Torquemada (from Latin turris cremata "burnt tower") is a municipality with about 1000 inhabitants. It is the namesake and presumably the birthplace of the famous Tomas de Torquemada (1420-1498), a Dominican monk and the first Grand Inquisitor of Spain. The 25-arched and a total of 150 m long stone bridge over the Río Pisuerga was built in the second half of the 16th century by the Master Diego Gómez de Sisniega and his son García. It replaced a wooden construction. The bridge was badly damaged by Napoleon's army in retreat.

Torquemada (from Latin turris cremata "burnt tower") is a municipality with about 1000 inhabitants. It is the namesake and presumably the birthplace of the famous Tomas de Torquemada (1420-1498), a Dominican monk and the first Grand Inquisitor of Spain. Catherine of Austria, Infanta of Castile and Archduchess of Austria, was the posthumous daughter of King Philip I (also known as "Philip the Handsome") and Queen Joanna of Castile (also known as "Joan the Mad") was born in Torquemada. In 1525, Catherine married King John III of Portugal and became Queen of Portugal until her husband's death in 1557.

The village of Revilla del Campo, which also includes the settlement of Quintanalara, now has barely a hundred inhabitants. The church, which is dedicated to St. Pantaleon, was built at a time when there was a much larger population here. It is is now falling into disrepair.

In the 16th century, Medina de Rioseco experienced an economic boom as it became a trading center for silver arriving from India via the port of Seville. Donations and legacies from America increased the city's wealth. Four large churches were built. Located on the highest point of the town. Its construction began at the end of the 15th century, replacing an earlier building. Its style is late Gothic, with Renaissance and Baroque additions, such as the tower, rebuilt in 1700 when the previous one collapsed. Unfortunately the church was locked, so that I could not see the alligator skin, kept inside since the 18th century.

In the 16th century, Medina de Rioseco experienced an economic boom as it became a trading center for silver arriving from India via the port of Seville. Donations and legacies from America increased the city's wealth. Four large churches were built. Its construction began at the end of the 16th century. Its construction continued throughout the 17th century with numerous ups and downs. The façade is its most singular element; it recreates the design of the Italian architect Jacopo Vignola for the church of the Gesù, in Rome. At the end of the 1960's it suffered a serious fire and in 1974 its main façade had to be supported as it threatened to collapse. Today the church houses the "Museo de Semana Santa".

In the 16th century, Medina de Rioseco experienced an economic boom as it became a trading center for silver arriving from India via the port of Seville. Donations and legacies from America increased the city's wealth. Four large churches were built. Its construction of the Iglesia de Santa Cruz began at the end of the 16th century. Its construction continued throughout the 17th century with numerous ups and downs. At the end of the 1960's it suffered a serious fire and in 1974 its main façade had to be supported as it threatened to collapse. Today the church houses the "Museo de Semana Santa".

Zamora straddles the Douro River. The Romans named the settlement "Occelum Durii" ("Eye of the Duero"). For the Visigoths, the place was "Semure". In the 710s the town was conquered and a Berber garrison was left in there, but some decades later it was seized by Alfonso I of Asturias. A diocese was established in the town in the early 10th century. Ibn al-Qitt unsuccessfully tried to invade the city in 901, Almanzor eventually seized the city in 966. The place returned to Christian control during the reign of Alfonso V of León. Since the early 11th century the place saw planned repopulating efforts. City walls were also erected in the 11th century. The most notable historical episode in Zamora was the assassination outside the city walls of the King Sancho II of Castile in 1072. Ferdinand I of León had divided his kingdoms between his three sons. To his daughter Urraca, he had bequeathed Zamora. All three sons warred among themselves, till the ultimate winner, Sancho, was left victorious. Zamora, under his sister who was allied with Leonese nobles, resisted. Sancho II of Castile, assisted by El Cid, laid siege to Zamora. King Sancho II was murdered by Bellido Dolfos, a duplicitous noble of Zamora, Bellido Dolfos. After the death of Sancho, Castile reverted to his deposed brother Alfonso VI of León. Zamora is known for its medieval heritage. There are more than a dozen Romanesque churches and chapels. I had visited Zamora already in 2022, but there was so much to see - I just had to return.

Zamora straddles the Douro River. The Romans named the settlement "Occelum Durii" ("Eye of the Duero"). For the Visigoths, the place was "Semure". In the 710s the town was conquered and a Berber garrison was left in there, but some decades later it was seized by Alfonso I of Asturias. A diocese was established in the town in the early 10th century. Ibn al-Qitt unsuccessfully tried to invade the city in 901, Almanzor eventually seized the city in 966. The place returned to Christian control during the reign of Alfonso V of León. Since the early 11th century the place saw planned repopulating efforts. City walls were also erected in the 11th century. The most notable historical episode in Zamora was the assassination outside the city walls of the King Sancho II of Castile in 1072. Ferdinand I of León had divided his kingdoms between his three sons. To his daughter Urraca, he had bequeathed Zamora. All three sons warred among themselves, till the ultimate winner, Sancho, was left victorious. Zamora, under his sister who was allied with Leonese nobles, resisted. Sancho II of Castile, assisted by El Cid, laid siege to Zamora. King Sancho II was murdered by Bellido Dolfos, a duplicitous noble of Zamora, Bellido Dolfos. After the death of Sancho, Castile reverted to his deposed brother Alfonso VI of León. Zamora is known for its medieval heritage. There are more than a dozen Romanesque churches and chapels. Bazar Lolo

Zamora straddles the Douro River. The Romans named the settlement "Occelum Durii" ("Eye of the Duero"). For the Visigoths, the place was "Semure". In the 710s the town was conquered and a Berber garrison was left in there, but some decades later it was seized by Alfonso I of Asturias. A diocese was established in the town in the early 10th century. Ibn al-Qitt unsuccessfully tried to invade the city in 901, Almanzor eventually seized the city in 966. The place returned to Christian control during the reign of Alfonso V of León. Since the early 11th century the place saw planned repopulating efforts. City walls were also erected in the 11th century. The most notable historical episode in Zamora was the assassination outside the city walls of the King Sancho II of Castile in 1072. Ferdinand I of León had divided his kingdoms between his three sons. To his daughter Urraca, he had bequeathed Zamora. All three sons warred among themselves, till the ultimate winner, Sancho, was left victorious. Zamora, under his sister who was allied with Leonese nobles, resisted. Sancho II of Castile, assisted by El Cid, laid siege to Zamora. King Sancho II was murdered by Bellido Dolfos, a duplicitous noble of Zamora, Bellido Dolfos. After the death of Sancho, Castile reverted to his deposed brother Alfonso VI of León. Zamora is known for its medieval heritage. There are more than a dozen Romanesque churches and chapels. Sombreria

Zamora straddles the Douro River. The Romans named the settlement "Occelum Durii" ("Eye of the Duero"). For the Visigoths, the place was "Semure". In the 710s the town was conquered and a Berber garrison was left in there, but some decades later it was seized by Alfonso I of Asturias. A diocese was established in the town in the early 10th century. Ibn al-Qitt unsuccessfully tried to invade the city in 901, Almanzor eventually seized the city in 966. The place returned to Christian control during the reign of Alfonso V of León. Since the early 11th century the place saw planned repopulating efforts. City walls were also erected in the 11th century. The most notable historical episode in Zamora was the assassination outside the city walls of the King Sancho II of Castile in 1072. Ferdinand I of León had divided his kingdoms between his three sons. To his daughter Urraca, he had bequeathed Zamora. All three sons warred among themselves, till the ultimate winner, Sancho, was left victorious. Zamora, under his sister who was allied with Leonese nobles, resisted. Sancho II of Castile, assisted by El Cid, laid siege to Zamora. King Sancho II was murdered by Bellido Dolfos, a duplicitous noble of Zamora, Bellido Dolfos. After the death of Sancho, Castile reverted to his deposed brother Alfonso VI of León. Zamora is known for its medieval heritage. There are more than a dozen Romanesque churches and chapels. LAVAKING - EL REY DEL LAVADO

Zamora straddles the Douro River. The Romans named the settlement "Occelum Durii" ("Eye of the Duero"). For the Visigoths, the place was "Semure". In the 710s the town was conquered and a Berber garrison was left in there, but some decades later it was seized by Alfonso I of Asturias. A diocese was established in the town in the early 10th century. Ibn al-Qitt unsuccessfully tried to invade the city in 901, Almanzor eventually seized the city in 966. The place returned to Christian control during the reign of Alfonso V of León. Since the early 11th century the place saw planned repopulating efforts. City walls were also erected in the 11th century. The most notable historical episode in Zamora was the assassination outside the city walls of the King Sancho II of Castile in 1072. Ferdinand I of León had divided his kingdoms between his three sons. To his daughter Urraca, he had bequeathed Zamora. All three sons warred among themselves, till the ultimate winner, Sancho, was left victorious. Zamora, under his sister who was allied with Leonese nobles, resisted. Sancho II of Castile, assisted by El Cid, laid siege to Zamora. King Sancho II was murdered by Bellido Dolfos, a duplicitous noble of Zamora, Bellido Dolfos. After the death of Sancho, Castile reverted to his deposed brother Alfonso VI of León. Zamora is known for its medieval heritage. There are more than a dozen Romanesque churches and chapels. December is freezing cold in Zamory

Zamora straddles the Douro River. The Romans named the settlement "Occelum Durii" ("Eye of the Duero"). For the Visigoths, the place was "Semure". In the 710s the town was conquered and a Berber garrison was left in there, but some decades later it was seized by Alfonso I of Asturias. A diocese was established in the town in the early 10th century. Ibn al-Qitt unsuccessfully tried to invade the city in 901, Almanzor eventually seized the city in 966. The place returned to Christian control during the reign of Alfonso V of León. Since the early 11th century the place saw planned repopulating efforts. City walls were also erected in the 11th century. The most notable historical episode in Zamora was the assassination outside the city walls of the King Sancho II of Castile in 1072. Ferdinand I of León had divided his kingdoms between his three sons. To his daughter Urraca, he had bequeathed Zamora. All three sons warred among themselves, till the ultimate winner, Sancho, was left victorious. Zamora, under his sister who was allied with Leonese nobles, resisted. Sancho II of Castile, assisted by El Cid, laid siege to Zamora. King Sancho II was murdered by Bellido Dolfos, a duplicitous noble of Zamora, Bellido Dolfos. After the death of Sancho, Castile reverted to his deposed brother Alfonso VI of León. Zamora is known for its medieval heritage. There are more than a dozen Romanesque churches and chapels. Plaza Mayor at nightime