Ribas de Campos: Monastery, Locks and Lagoons

Santa Cruz de la Zarza Monastery, the triple lock at Calahorra de Ribas and the lagoons give Ribas de Campos a range of distinctive attractions. Historic architecture and canal engineering sit alongside landscapes and birdwatching. If you are considering the town as a destination for a hotel stay, you can decide in advance which themes you would like to prioritise on your trip.

Monastery, Church and Art

The history of Santa Cruz de la Zarza Monastery dates back to 922. The present building dates from 1176 and was run by the Premonstratensians. In June 1931, the monastery was declared a historic-artistic monument. It can be visited daily by appointment; arrange your visit in advance, as the arrangements may change.

The Church of San Martín de Tours dates from the 13th century and underwent extensive renovations in the 14th century. Its single-nave interior has pointed arches and a ribbed vault. Features include a traditional Baroque organ and a Rococo altarpiece from the second third of the 18th century. The reliefs depict Saint Joseph, the Annunciation, the Marriage of the Virgin Mary and the Death of Saint Joseph.

The Feast of the Holy Relics is also part of local tradition: it takes place every year on 4 July and commemorates the relics of Saint Martin of Tours, Saint Lawrence and Saint Blaise. The architectural heritage also includes the ruins of the Franciscan monastery of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación de Calahorra de Ribas. They are on private property; only the church's bell gable and an L-shaped retaining wall remain. Check access before considering a visit.

Locks on the Canal de Castilla

The triple lock at Calahorra de Ribas on the Canal de Castilla comprises locks 22, 23 and 24 on the Northern Branch. They were built between 1759 and 1804 and form the last triple lock on this branch of the canal. The numbers and long construction period offer a tangible starting point for exploring the history of the site: here, the triple lock can be viewed as a named complex with its own construction history, rather than merely as part of a general canal landscape.

Lagoons and Riverside Landscapes

Charca de Fuentemimbre is one of the protected wetlands in the ZEPA Lagunas del Canal de Castilla, which is part of the Natura 2000 network. It offers a peaceful stop along the Canal de Castilla route to observe the landscape and wildlife. This makes it a different kind of nature attraction from the town's architectural landmarks.

At La Toja lagoon, an open stretch of water measures approximately 200 metres long and 100 metres wide. Reeds, bulrushes, rushes and water irises line the water. A small birdwatching hide stands beside the path; La Toja is known as a birdwatching spot along the Canal de Castilla route. The approximate dimensions give a tangible sense of the water's extent, while the plants along its banks describe the landscape's distinctive character.

The Carrión offers another perspective on the landscape: less than a kilometre from the town, a riverside strip of vegetation, consisting mainly of deciduous woodland, lies along the river. Its proximity to the town and its character as riverside woodland distinguish it from the lagoons, whose appeal lies chiefly in their open stretches of water, vegetation along the banks and birdwatching.

Routes and Planning

The municipal route description dated 25 February 2022 lists a route that begins within the municipality, follows the right bank of the Carrión through poplar groves and continues to the Calahorra de Ribas junction. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out. This lets you factor the described route into your plans without assuming that conditions on the ground will remain unchanged.

Stage 4 of the Canal de Castilla's Northern Branch runs from Frómista to Calahorra de Ribas and is 17.3 kilometres long. This gives you different points to consider when choosing between cultural and natural attractions or a tour: historic buildings and locks on the one hand, lagoons and riverside landscapes on the other. When searching for hotels, you can assess Ribas de Campos as a destination based on these specific travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Amayuelas de Abajo, Vallejo De Orbó, Villamuriel De Cerrato, Las Heras de la Peña, Paredes De Nava, Santibañez De La Peña, Barrio de San Pedro, Guaza De Campos.

For the broader travel overview: Palencia.