Medina de Pomar: Alcázar, Old Town and Trails along the Trueba

Medina de Pomar takes you through an Old Town designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural and a historic centre with two walled districts. The older of these districts stood on the highest part of the hill; the medieval de la Cadena and de Ronda or del Perdón gates have been preserved there.

Culture

The Alcázar de los Condestables was built by the Velasco family between 1370 and 1380. Designated as a defensive Bien de Interés Cultural, it consists of two large towers connected by a central section. The Alcázar houses the Museo Histórico de Las Merindades, whose exhibition is arranged chronologically from prehistoric times to the 18th century.

The Museo de los Condestables de Castilla, also known as the Museo del Monasterio de Santa Clara, is located in the Monasterio de Santa Clara de Medina de Pomar. It covers the history of the Condestables and the life of the Poor Clares who still live there. The museum displays La Adoración de los Reyes Magos, a Flemish panel by Hans Memling from the 15th century, and also includes the Cristo Yacente by Gregorio Fernández from the 17th century.

The Centro de Interpretación del Arte Románico is located in the Ermita de San Millán, built at the end of the 12th century. It can be visited independently and free of charge through the MUSEOS VIVOS project. The Sala Etnográfica Félix Arroyo displays agricultural equipment as well as equipment from mills and smithies, along with classic motorcycles and sewing machines.

For an art-themed walk through the historic streets, the Museo a Cielo Abierto covers the façades along the streets of the Old Town with paintings by artists working in different styles. A guided tour of the historic centre may include the parish church of Santa Cruz, is subject to availability and requires advance booking.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Medina de Pomar, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the accommodation listing pages. Your selection can be based on the main attractions represented in the town: culture, trails, riverside areas, markets and festivals.

Trails and Landscapes

The Ruta de las manzanas guides you through the streets of the historic site using twelve apples hidden at strategic points in the historic centre of Medina de Pomar. Its route booklets serve as a map and guide and are available from the Medina de Pomar Tourist Office and the Museo Histórico de las Merindades.

The GR 186 Caminos de Medina follows old paths connecting several settlements belonging to the municipality of Medina de Pomar. The PRC-BU 144 Cuestas de Medina route starts at Parque de la Virgen, crosses the Trueba River and leads to the orchards near the settlement of Villacomparada.

The Camino Natural Santander-Mediterráneo follows the route of the former Santander–Mediterráneo railway line, which has been adapted for walkers and cyclists. The PRC-BU 137 Caminos Ribereños del Norte route initially runs parallel to the Trueba River, passes through oak and heathland forests and goes by the abandoned settlement of San Román.

On the battlements of the Museo Histórico de Las Merindades, panels identify and explain the landscapes around Medina de Pomar. Bancos FotografiaT comprises two designated photo spots at strategically located points in Medina de Pomar.

Open Spaces and the Seasons

In summer, Parque de Villacobos becomes a recreational and bathing area on the Trueba River. The park has a riverside promenade, picnic areas and children's areas. A wooden bridge connects it with Parque de Villamar and offers views of the Pozo de la Peña bathing area, which is used in summer.

San Isidro Labrador is celebrated in Medina de Pomar every year on 15 May with a procession around the Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Rosario and the blessing of the fields and garden produce.

Noche en Blanco takes place on the first Friday in August as a free cultural night for residents and visitors. In Medina de Pomar, it brings together cultural heritage, art, music, theatre, exhibitions and workshops.

The Fiestas de Nuestra Señora del Rosario take place on the first and second weekends of October. Their programme includes activities for children and gastronomy-related activities, a bullfighting event, dance events and processions with charangas.

Medina de Pomar currently holds three fairs a year, as well as a weekly market on Thursdays. The three fairs mentioned are La Ascensión, Santa Marina and San Miguel.

Lechuga de Medina is a Batavia lettuce variety grown mainly in Medina de Pomar and Frías.

Other places:Arroyal, Villarias, Hornillos Del Camino, Los Altos, San Vicente del Valle, Población De Arreba, Crespos and Medianas

To the higher-level travel overview: Burgos.