Ribas de Campos: Canal de Castilla, Monastic History and Wetlands

Ribas de Campos combines engineering and ecclesiastical history on the Canal de Castilla: the triple lock of Calahorra de Ribas comprises locks 22, 23 and 24 of the northern branch. These were built between 1759 and 1804 and form the last triple lock on the northern branch.

Further destinations: Palenzuela, Villanueva De Arriba, Vallejo De Orbó, Brañosera, Herrera de Pisuerga, Camasobres, Dehesa De Montejo, Mudá

Culture and History

The Santa Cruz de la Zarza Monastery has historical origins dating back to 922. The present building dates from 1176; the monastery was run by the Premonstratensians. In June 1931, it was declared a historic-artistic monument. It can be visited daily by prior appointment.

The Church of San Martín de Tours dates from the 13th century and was extensively remodelled in the 14th century. It has a single-nave layout with pointed arches and a ribbed vault.

A Rococo altarpiece from the second third of the 18th century features reliefs of Saint Joseph, the Annunciation, his marriage to the Virgin Mary and his own death. The Church of San Martín de Tours also contains a traditional Baroque organ.

The ruins of the Franciscan monastery of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación de Calahorra de Ribas are located on private property. Only the church's bell gable and an angled supporting wall remain.

The Feast of the Holy Relics takes place every year on 4 July and commemorates the relics of Saint Martin of Tours, Saint Lawrence and Saint Blaise.

Along the Canal de Castilla

The route through Ribas de Campos begins in the municipal area and follows the right bank of the Carrión through poplar groves to the junction at Calahorra de Ribas.

Stage 4 of the northern branch of the Canal de Castilla runs from Frómista to Calahorra de Ribas and is 17.3 kilometres long. The route length and the landscape information provide different reference points for planning your own trip.

For a holiday apartment in Ribas de Campos, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions can be checked side by side on the respective offer pages. The three fields organise the comparison by period, category and conditions.

Nature and Landscape

Alongside the Carrión, less than one kilometre from the town, there is a strip of riparian vegetation consisting predominantly of deciduous woodland.

The Charca de Fuentemimbre is one of the protected wetlands of the ZEPA area Lagunas del Canal de Castilla, which is integrated into the Natura 2000 network.

At the La Toja lagoon, there is an open body of water approximately 200 metres long and 100 metres wide. It is bordered by reeds, bulrushes, rushes and yellow flag irises.

A small birdwatching observatory is located beside the path at the La Toja lagoon; along the Canal de Castilla route, it is considered a birdwatching site.

The Charca de Fuentemimbre offers a peaceful stop along the Canal de Castilla route for observing the landscape and wildlife.

For the broader travel overview: Palencia.