Zamora, Castilla y Leon

Zamora, Castilla y Leon - Overview:

With tiny streets and churches and a history going back to the Knights Templar, the city of Zamora holds the motto 'Zamora was not won in a day.' This enchanting province is known for many things throughout history. Zamora is a beautiful medieval town with a magnificent cathedral and several great Romanesque churches. Nearby there is an 8th century Visigothic church (San Pedro de la Nave) and 'Lago de Sanabria', the largest lake in Spain and the only one of glacial origins.

Zamora, Castilla y Leon - Sightseeing:

The Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge) that crosses the Duero river takes you into the city with a strong medieval imprint - often referred to as the City of Romanesque. Vaults with Gothic arches, apses and doorways decorated with plant motifs (and the oldest relics in the city) are some of the jewels that you will encounter walking amongst the monuments. Zamora is also known as the 'Well Protected city', due to its triple defensive ring )the first of these walls is almost entirely preserved). Among the stretches of wall, there are three gates - the Portillo de la Traicion, the Puerta de Dona Urraca and the Puerta del Obispo.

Zamora was the general headquarters of the frontier in the 18th century, due to its walls and the medieval castle. Two buildings dominate the whole area: The castle and the cathedral. The castle (of Arab construction) is still complete with tower, gate and a moat.

Zamora's cathedral is one of Spain's finest architectural examples of Romanesque style. Elements were added to the cathedral over the years, including Gothic features (apses and sanctuary) and Herrera style features (cloister).

Its Byzantine dome is the symbol of the city and is what differentiates it from other cathedrals. It houses a large variety of works of art, including the choir stalls, a figure of Christ and an image of the Virgin Mary.

Those visitors who are fortunate enough to stay at the Parador hotel will experience another jewel of Renaissance architecture. Originally this fine building was the Palace of the Counts of Alba de Aliste and dates from the 15th century.

All throughout the town are examples of Romanesque churches, Zamora is famous for its many religious buildings such as the Church of Santa Mara la Nueva containing The Cristo Yacente (the Laying Christ); a carving from the 17th century highly valued by the Zamorians, and to whom the Easter festivities are dedicated.

The Church of Santiago del Burgo, built in the 12th century, has two different styles that can be distinguished in its columns: one column; Corinthian and on the other elaborate column decorated with fantastic animals and plants.

Another sight not to be missed is the Church of La Magdalena with its two encrusted tabernacles on the front angles of the nave with a barrel arch roof. Visitors have marvelled at sarcophagus of an unknown lady in which some angels appear to be taking away her soul.

Zamora is also home to the famous Church of the Horta containing a 16th century reredo, where the influence of Berruguete is quite clear and the paintings of Lorenzo de Avila (from the Rafael school).

Cultural museums include the Holy Week Museum (Museo de la Semana Santa); in this cultural centre you can admire the majority of the floats that parade through Zamora during Easter. Or the Provincial Museum of Zamora; having two sections: Fine Art and Archaeology. The first exhibits sculptures and paintings from the 14th to the 20th century. The second shows the evolution of the province from pre-history to today.

Zamora, Castilla y Leon - Fiestas:

Easter is the best time to visit Zamora to capture the Easter celebrations, it has been marked a Festival of International Tourist Interest.

Zamora, Castilla y Leon - Our holiday accommodation and service:

Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy delightful, privileged holiday destinations in Castilla y Leon (including Burgos, Leon City, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid and Zamora) at the historic heart of Central Spain. From privately owned houses, charming cottages, villas and apartments to villas with pools, luxury spa hotels and a full range of fabulous Paradores; all hand picked in beautiful locations for an authentic taste of unspoiled secret Castilla y Leon and Central Spain.

So, if you're looking for an activity or nature holiday, walking, cycling, trekking or bird watching; a spot of rural tourism soaking up the traditional Spanish culture and heritage with historic sightseeingin Castille; exploring fairytale castles, beautiful countryside and fascinating villages, rural towns and historic cities such as Leon City; following the historic pilgrims routes or silver route; sampling hearty rural Spanish fayre or simply enjoying a shopping trip or city break in Madrid, Spain's capital city; call our holiday team today.

Many of our clients enjoy touring holidays through central Spain, to experience the unique areas of Castilla la Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Extremadura and Madrid in one holiday. We are therefore very happy to arrange itineraries for you staying in a selection of different Parador hotels along your chosen route. We can also assist you with flights to Madrid and other areas of central Spain, ferry travel, holiday car hire and travel insurance.