Mota Del Marqués – History, Festivals and Holiday Apartments

Mota del Marqués showcases a striking detail of its local history: the surviving keep of the Castillo de Mota del Marqués is considered the only round tower in all of Castile and is in a state of ruin. In the area around the Castillo, parts of the foundations of the former wall, divided by towers, are visible.

Culture

The Iglesia de San Martín is a columned hall typical of the 16th century, with a single-nave hall layout. Its southern façade features a Plateresque portal. Inside is a stone pulpit from the 16th century, considered one of the temple’s finest works. This church is also home to the veneration of the Virgen de las Angustias, a sculpture created around 1596 by the Palencian sculptor Adrián Álvarez.

Since 1989, the Iglesia de San Martín has been closed for worship due to structural deterioration, the associated safety risks, and existing dangers caused by cracks and falling building components. The Iglesia de El Salvador dates from the 16th century and was extensively remodelled in the 17th century; its consolidated ruins lie on the slope between the Castillo and the town of Mota del Marqués.

The Palacio de los Ulloa is a 16th-century building with a two-storey courtyard whose segmental arches rest on columns. The Palacio preserves two paintings of women in 16th-century fashion, attributed to the circle of Pantoja de la Cruz. The Palacio del Marqués de Ulloa also contains a room with trompe-l’œil paintings and landscapes from the Neoclassical period.

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Castellanos is a Gothic-Mudéjar building from the early 16th century. Its main altar dates from around 1600 and is dominated by a clothed statue of the Virgin from the 18th century, the patron saint of the town. The Ermita del Cristo del Humilladero was built in 1526 at the request of the Brotherhood of Veracruz, using dressed stone. A stone cross from the 16th century stands in front of its entrance.

Traditions

The patron saint festivities of Mota del Marqués take place around 8 September in honour of Nuestra Señora de Castellanos. During the Good Friday procession of Semana Santa, the traditional “Venias” take place in the Plaza Mayor. The festivities feature dancing, bullfighting events and encierros through the countryside and the town’s streets.

During the carnival tradition known as “corrido el bollo”, people go from house to house to sample homemade sweets and drink the coffee liqueur typical of the town. Next to the petrol station is Mesón La Mota, where you can enjoy typical regional cuisine.

Orientation

Mota del Marqués is listed on the Camino de Levante y Sureste between Tordesillas and Villardefrades. Mota del Marqués offers free guided tours of the town, its monuments and particularly charming corners; they are arranged in advance by telephone or email.

For a holiday apartment in Mota del Marqués, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the respective listing page. Check these details against your travel period and plans before choosing a specific accommodation.

More destinations

More destinations in the surrounding travel area: Mojados, Castromonte, Puras, La Seca, Santibáñez De Valcorba, Vega De Valdetronco, Castronuño, Serrada

To the main travel overview: Valladolid.