Discover Cuéllar: Castle, Walls and Mudéjar Culture

In the upper part of Cuéllar’s town centre stands the Castillo-Palacio de los Duques de Alburquerque. In 1931, it was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument. The historic townscape also includes Cuéllar’s walled complex: it consists of a more heavily fortified upper section and a more urban lower section, both with an outer wall. Its length is approximately 2,000 m. Cuéllar also preserves civil and religious Mudéjar architecture from the 12th and 13th centuries.

Culture

The Castillo-Palacio offers the theatrical tours «TecnoMedievo» and «Castillo de Ánimas». «Castillo de Ánimas» takes place from 1 November to 1 December. At the Iglesia de San Martín, the Centro de Interpretación del Arte Mudéjar offers an audiovisual tour of Cuéllar’s medieval history and Mudéjar art. Visits to the Iglesia de San Martín are exclusively guided; a group of at least four people is required.

History

The archive of the Casa Ducal de Alburquerque is one of Spain’s most significant aristocratic archives. The archive’s documents date from the 12th century to 1994. A tour of the archive led by the archivist is complemented by a guided tour of Cuéllar’s Jewish quarter. Advance reservations are absolutely required for both. The cultural programme therefore brings together medieval architecture, written records and the history of the Jewish community in the town.

Experiences

During the Encierros de Cuéllar, the route runs for approximately 5 km through the pine forests; the urban race then continues for about 1.5 km along an urban circuit. The two approximate route lengths help distinguish the forest section from the town circuit. Las Chuletas takes place on the Sunday after Easter Sunday: families from Cuéllar meet in the pine forests, light fires there and eat the famous chops. Las Chuletas is also accompanied by the cycling race known as the Clásica de la Chuleta.

Nature

La Huerta del Duque is used by Cuéllar’s residents and visitors for walking, relaxing, playing sports and eating outdoors. The southern section of Cuéllar’s walls offers a free circular walk with panoramic views of Cuéllar and the comarca. The northern section has free access through the San Basilio archway.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Cuéllar, compare the travel dates, room category and cancellation policies on the respective accommodation pages. This information provides an objective basis for your own planning.

Other destination pages at the same hierarchical level are Grajera, Valdeprados, Tolocirio, Castroserna De Abajo, Dehesa Mayor, Matabuena, Adrada De Pirón and Abades.

Getting There

The Castillo-Palacio de los Duques de Alburquerque can be reached via the Autovía de Pinares A-601, exit 50, «Cuéllar Norte». The regular Segovia–Valladolid bus service operated by LINECAR passes through Cuéllar.

To the higher-level travel overview: Segovia.