Valderas: Churches, Castles and a Route through Southern León

Culture

Valderas was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2008. Its festive tradition includes the annual Ferias y Fiestas, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. Holy Week includes penitential processions in which religious images are carried. The Carnival celebrations have a distinctive character of their own, featuring masks and suitcases.

The Ermita del Otero in Valderas dates from the 14th century.

The Castillo de Altafría stands on the Altafría hill and overlooks the valley of the River Cea. The fortification on Altafría is historically attributed to Fernando II and dated to the 12th century. The Arco de Santiago formed part of Valderas's fortified complex and was built in the Mudéjar style.

The Iglesia de San Juan del Mercado is a late Gothic church from the 16th century with additions from the 18th century. Its interior has three naves supported by free-standing Gothic columns. The Iglesia de Santa María del Azogue is documented as early as 1144. It was built on the foundations and towers of an older fortress that had been attached to the 12th-century city wall.

The Santuario del Socorro is a Renaissance sanctuary built of stone and brick, with a single nave. The former Carmelite monastery of the Santuario del Socorro was founded in Valderas in 1565. The Museo de Arte Sacro de las Madres Benedictinas is housed in the Iglesia del Socorro, a former 16th-century Carmelite monastery. The museum's collection includes a movable Christ attributed to Gregorio Fernández. The Palacio de los Osorio has a distinctive corner balcony.

Landscape

Valderas lies in an area of León characterized by natural landscapes and agricultural fields. The De Valderas a Jimenéz de Jamuz route begins in Valderas and crosses southern León from east to west, visiting castles along the way. When planning a trip, architectural history, the festival calendar, landscapes and the route can be considered as separate areas of focus alongside one another.

The themes place different emphases: festival culture and religious architecture stand alongside medieval military architecture and the museum. They are joined by the natural landscapes and fields of the area of León, as well as the regional course of the castle route through southern León. This also makes it possible to consider the history of the town independently, alongside the landscape and culinary heritage.

Accommodation Information

For a holiday apartment in Valderas, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions are separate details relevant to the accommodation selection. These details stand alongside the town's main features: architectural history and festivals, natural landscapes and agricultural fields, the castle route through southern León, as well as culinary tradition and wine made from Prieto Picudo.

More destinations

Other places include Noceda Del Bierzo, Foncebadón, San Esteban del Toral, Balouta, Serrilla, Sena De Luna, Quintanilla de Losada and Puente De Domingo Flórez.

Culinary Heritage

Valderas has a culinary tradition that dates back to the 14th century. The local wine from Valderas is made from the Prieto Picudo grape variety.

For the overarching travel overview: León.