Ledesma: Holiday Apartment, Old Town and Tormes

Since 1975, Ledesma has held the status of an Asset of Cultural Interest in the category of Historic Ensemble. Here, very different facets come together in close proximity: a historic townscape, riverside landscapes and vibrant traditions.

Culture and History

Santa María la Mayor is a church built largely in the Hispano-Flemish Gothic style between the late 15th and early 16th centuries. In 2002, it was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in the category of Monument.

The Historic Ensemble of Ledesma includes a square partly lined with arcades, as well as streets with palaces and manor houses built from the late 15th century onwards. Puerta de San Nicolás is the only surviving gate of Ledesma’s former city walls, which once had eight gates.

The origins of Ledesma Fortress date back to the time of Ferdinand II of León in the 12th century. Following recent restoration work, the fortress became a venue for various activities and markets.

Bletisa, Ledesma’s Centre for Historical Interpretation, takes visitors through history from prehistoric times to the modern era. Bletisa uses audiovisual and interactive features for historical interpretation.

Riverside Landscapes and Trails

The bridge over the Tormes near Ledesma was built in the 15th century during the time of Don Beltrán de la Cueva. Puente de Peñaserracín is a bridge of Roman origin with three arches made of granite and rubble masonry.

The Playa de Carnaceda route runs along the banks of the Tormes through Ledesma. Part of the Playa de Carnaceda route passes through the LIC Riberas del río Tormes y afluentes, a protected area within the Natura 2000 network.

Routes for observing the various bird species found there are organised in Ledesma’s old town and along the banks of the Tormes. The Centro BTT de Ledesma offers a network of 100 kilometres of marked trails on five signposted routes classified by difficulty.

For planning your day, the activities can be compared by type, and BTT activities can additionally be compared by difficulty.

Festivals and Local Speciality

Ledesma’s famous rosquillas are made in traditional bakeries that welcome visitors.

Corpus Christi is Ledesma’s major festival in June and lasts for seven uninterrupted days. The Corpus Christi celebrations include the Espantos, during which mounted riders drive bulls on horseback to the bullring while young locals try to prevent them.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ledesma, you can first compare travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on booking websites. Culture, riverside trails, birdwatching and cycling can be considered as different focuses of your own itinerary.

Other places: Carrascal Del Río, Larrodrigo, San Pedro De Rozados, Peñacaballera, Cordovilla, Fuentes De Béjar, San Pelayo De Guareña, Cepeda

For the higher-level travel overview: Salamanca.