Discover Caleruega: Monastery, History and Nature

The Dominican convent in Caleruega was created from the Guzmán-Aza family residence on the orders of Alfonso X and inaugurated by Alfonso X in 1270. It has a 12th-century church and a cloister museum with religious art. These include two polychrome stone sculptures of the Virgin Mary and the Angel of the Annunciation from the 13th century. The Torreón de los Guzmán is an 11th-century, four-storey tower that is 17 metres high and has been fitted out as an exhibition space. The Iglesia de San Sebastián is a Romanesque church from the early 12th century; parts of its original structure that have been preserved include the tower, the entrance portal and a twin window. Santo Domingo was baptised in this church, which was also the location of the first burial place of Blessed Juana de Aza.

Culture and History

The Dominican nuns look after Santo Domingo's birthplace in Caleruega and welcome all visitors there, regardless of their religious affiliation. The tomb of Infanta Eleanor of Castile was installed, by decision of Alfonso X, in the Dominican convent he founded in Caleruega. The remains of an early medieval necropolis from the 10th century are located beside the large cross on the Peña de San Jorge. The Ermita de San Mamés was built between the late 12th and early 13th centuries.

The San Mamés archaeological site is one of the medieval sites near Caleruega that have been prepared for public visits. The La Pudia archaeological site preserves the remains of a small early medieval village that developed in the 9th and 10th centuries. Bodega Alfonso VIII is considered Caleruega's oldest wine cellar and preserves a single cellar room carved into the rock, 25 metres long. Enramada takes place on the morning of 18 August on Calle Beata Juana de Aza during the Santa Juana celebrations.

The immediate surroundings of the remains of the Santa Centola chapel have been prepared for visits and equipped with explanatory and interpretive signage, including a 3D model of the remains. Near Caleruega are the excavated remains of an early medieval Christian chapel probably dedicated to Santa Centola, which was likely built in the first half of the 10th century.

Landscape and Trails

On the road, Caleruega belongs to the Destierro section of the Camino del Cid. The Sendero de las Loberas is a circular route of approximately 10 kilometres suitable for all target groups, combining natural and historical heritage. It passes three restored tenadas, traditional loberas, medieval cellars carved into the rock, springs, rest areas and a vulture feeding station. The “Las Loberas” Nature Interpretation Centre is located in the Las Rozadas area near Caleruega; visitors can learn about the distinctive features of the landscape there and observe the local flora and fauna from an adjoining lookout tower.

The La Quiñonera wetland covers approximately 2,200 square metres and is suitable for birdwatching. La Quiñonera has a birdwatching hide and a feeding station for vultures and lies along the long route of the Sendero de las Loberas. A section of the route from Caleruega towards the Roman city of Clunia coincides with the Roman road that connected Zaragoza and Astorga.

Special Highlights

The equestrian statue of El Cid stands in Parque del Cid, 200 metres from the Torreón de los Guzmanes, and is a three-metre-long bronze sculpture. The crow monument next to the Cid statue represents a symbol of good luck on the Camino del Cid; travellers therefore often touch the tile depicting the crow. The Lavanda Fest has already taken place in Caleruega for its third edition and includes guided walks through Caleruega's lavender fields.

Other Places

Other destinations in the selection include Rublacedo De Abajo, Busto De Bureba, Ibeas de Juarros, Espinosa De Cervera, La Horra, Humienta, Sotragero and Pedrosa De Duero.

Visiting Hours

For visits to the monastery complex, the Caleruega tourist office provides visiting hours from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 15:30 to 18:30, Tuesday to Sunday.

To the higher-level travel overview: Burgos.