Discover Medina de Pomar

Medina de Pomar appeals to travelers who want to include historic buildings, museums and trails in their trip. The historic center is focused on the Alcázar, former defensive areas and medieval gates. There are also routes with varied landscape and historical themes, as well as seasonal events.

The Alcázar and medieval center

The Alcázar de los Condestables is a defensive complex and is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC). Its two large towers are connected by a central section. It was built by the Velasco family between 1370 and 1380. The Museo Histórico de Las Merindades is housed in the Alcázar. Its exhibition is arranged chronologically, from prehistoric times to the 18th century. On the battlements, panels explain the landscapes around Medina de Pomar.

The old town is also designated a BIC. The historic center had two walled districts; the older one was located at the highest point of the hill. Of the medieval gates, de la Cadena and de Ronda, also called del Perdón, have survived. These places give the townscape a clear historical context: the Alcázar represents defensive architecture, while the gates recall the former entrances to the center.

Museums and art

The Museo de los Condestables de Castilla, also called the Museo del Monasterio de Santa Clara, is located in the Monasterio de Santa Clara de Medina de Pomar. It explores the history of the Condestables and the lives of the Poor Clare nuns, who still live there. Works on display include La Adoración de los Reyes Magos, a 15th-century Flemish panel painting by Hans Memling, and the Cristo Yacente by Gregorio Fernández from the 17th century.

The Sala Etnográfica Félix Arroyo has a different focus: it displays agricultural tools and equipment from a mill and a forge, as well as classic motorcycles and sewing machines. The Centro de Interpretación del Arte Románico is located in the Ermita de San Millán, built at the end of the 12th century. The center can be visited independently and free of charge through the MUSEOS VIVOS project. As access arrangements may change, it is advisable to confirm them before traveling.

The Museo a Cielo Abierto brings paintings by various artists and in different styles to the facades of streets in the old town. This connects the art project with a walk through the historic streets; individual facade paintings may change. A guided tour of the historic center can also include the parish church of Santa Cruz. This is subject to availability and requires advance booking, so you should check these conditions ahead of time.

Trails, river and seasonal activities

The Ruta de las manzanas guides visitors through the streets of the historic complex using twelve apples. The apples are hidden at strategic points. Route booklets serve as maps and guides and are available from the tourist office and the Museo Histórico de Las Merindades; their distribution may change. The PRC-BU 144 Cuestas de Medina follows a different type of route: it starts at Parque de la Virgen, crosses the Trueba and leads to orchards near Villacomparada.

The PRC-BU 137 Caminos Ribereños del Norte initially runs parallel to the Trueba, passes through oak and heather forests and goes by the abandoned settlement of San Román. The GR 186 Caminos de Medina follows old paths connecting several settlements belonging to the Municipio de Medina de Pomar. The Camino Natural Santander-Mediterráneo follows the route of the former railway line, which has been adapted for walkers and cyclists. For these routes, it is advisable to check local trail conditions before setting out.

In summer, Parque de Villacobos on the Trueba becomes a recreation and bathing area. The park includes a riverside promenade, picnic areas and children's areas; if these facilities are important to your plans, check their current condition. A wooden bridge connects the park with Parque de Villamar and offers views of the Pozo de la Peña bathing area, which is used in summer. Check local conditions before swimming.

Festivals and local dates

The Noche en Blanco is a free cultural night held on the first Friday in August. It combines heritage, art, music, theater, exhibitions and workshops; specific program items vary from year to year. The Fiestas de Nuestra Señora del Rosario take place on the first and second weekends of October. The program includes activities for children and food, dances and parades with charangas, among other things; individual activities may change each year. For both festivals, check the current dates and programs before your trip.

San Isidro Labrador is celebrated every year on May 15 with a procession around the Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Rosario and the blessing of the fields and garden produce. Checking the current program can also help with planning your visit. Medina de Pomar currently also holds three fairs a year and a weekly market on Thursdays. The three named fairs are La Ascensión, Santa Marina and San Miguel; check the dates for your year of travel. A local product, Lechuga de Medina is a Batavia lettuce variety grown mainly in Medina de Pomar and Frías. If you would like to try it, ask locally about availability.

Discover more destinations: San Millán de San Zadornil, La Puebla De Arganzón, La Orden, Jurisdicción De Lara, Santo Domingo De Silos, Valdelateja, El Berrón, Agüera.

For the broader travel overview: Burgos.