Holiday apartment in Castrillo de los Polvazares: Stone, tradition and trails

Castrillo de los Polvazares welcomes you with a townscape that has been preserved almost in its original condition. The houses are built of stone and the streets are paved. In 1980, the Council of Ministers designated the town as a historic-artistic ensemble of significant monumental and historical value. Anyone walking through the town therefore perceives not just individual buildings, but a coherent historic ensemble.

Historic Streets and Notable Buildings

Calle Real forms the backbone of the town and conveys its historic connection with the Maragato mule traders. Among the defining buildings is the parish church, regarded as the most distinctive building in Castrillo de los Polvazares. The Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena can be recognized by its twin bell tower. The Puente Viejo offers a particularly impressive view of the historic ensemble: it crosses the Jerga River, serves as a traditional entrance to Castrillo de los Polvazares, and provides a vantage point from which to view the town from outside. For those interested in culture, Calle Real, the parish church, and the Puente Viejo are specific points of reference within the townscape.

Maragato Customs and Religious Symbols

During the La Magdalena festival, women dressed in traditional Maragata costume carry the Virgin Magdalena in a procession. They are accompanied by priests, a tambourine player, and local residents. The day of Saint Magdalena, the patron saint of Castrillo de los Polvazares, is the town’s most important festival. The religious and cultural character also remains visible in the streets: the unmistakable scallop shell symbol of pilgrims can be seen there.

Other customs are closely associated with individual places. At the end of the main street is a bowling alley connected with the game “bolos maragatos,” typical of the comarca. The church portico has hosted the “boda maragata” ritual, which is considered to have significant anthropological value.

Regional Cuisine and Special Dishes

Cocido maragato is a traditional dish particularly associated with Castrillo de los Polvazares. The history of Casa Maragata also represents this culinary focus: the house was founded as a restaurant in 1999 and grew out of the idea of a family wishing to make the region’s traditional cuisine known. This includes, in particular, cocido maragato, cod, and congrio al ajo arriero.

Walks, Views and Activities

Local excursion options include walks through forests, meadows, and the surroundings of Castrillo de los Polvazares. The walk from Prado San Juan to the path leading to Murias offers views. The transition between the paved town center and paths through forests and meadows provides different vantage points during your stay.

In Castrillo de los Polvazares, it is possible to go on rides in the surrounding area or take independent rides from a stable; riding lessons are also available. Cycling excursions are another activity in Castrillo de los Polvazares. The activities differ according to their surroundings: walks lead through forests and meadows, rides take you into the surrounding area, while riding lessons and cycling excursions provide further options.

For the overarching travel guide: Astorga.