Saldaña: Squares, Architectural History and Regional Culture

Saldaña brings together historic architecture, a museum, a large park on the Carrión, walking trails and regional events. When looking for a hotel in Saldaña, it may help to first consider whether you would like to focus your stay on architectural history, trails or a specific event date. The following places and events offer different points of interest to help you plan your trip.

Plaza Vieja and Historic Architecture

Plaza Vieja dates back to the 10th and 11th centuries; much of the ensemble as it stands today dates from the 16th to 18th centuries. Plaza Vieja and its surroundings are protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the “Historic Ensemble” category under Decree 143/1996 of 30 May. This makes it a place where a long history and a clearly defined architectural ensemble come together.

The square, fully lined with arcades, is distinguished by its cohesive design. The buildings have two storeys: the lower storey features open galleries with wooden supports on stone bases. Above are enclosed sections made of rammed earth and adobe or exposed brickwork, complemented by a framework of wooden beams. For architecture enthusiasts, the arrangement of the storeys and materials offers a tangible way to appreciate the design of the square.

A hill bordering the town centre is home to the scant remains of the Castillo de los Condes de Saldaña. The former fortress dominated and defended the settlement. On the surviving wall surfaces, limestone ashlars form the inner and outer faces, with a rubble core between them bonded with lime-and-sand mortar. The ruins add another chapter to the town’s history alongside the architecture of the square.

Bridges and Buildings

For centuries, Puente Viejo was the Villa’s main connection to the south. Its reconstruction began in 1588; the bridge has 22 semicircular arches. This makes both a specific historical construction phase and the number and shape of its arches central to the story of this structure.

Centro Javier Cortes – La Casona is a Renaissance building with an almost square floor plan. Its living quarters are arranged around a large, also square, arcaded courtyard. Check current visiting arrangements before your trip.

Museum, Park and Walking Trails

Iglesia de San Pedro now houses the Museo Monográfico de la Villa Romana de La Olmeda. Check current visiting arrangements before your visit.

Parque Javier Cortes lies on the right bank of the Carrión. It covers more than 30,000 square metres and stretches through the town between two bridges. There are also walking trails in Saldaña, and a route brochure is available to download. Check the route details before setting out so that your plans are based on the information for each trail.

Regional Festivals and Products

Every October, Saldaña holds the Feria de la Alubia at the same time as the Santa Úrsula festival. Food products from the comarca are showcased there. The main focus is the white kidney bean from the Vega de Saldaña, described as the region’s most prized culinary product. If you would like to plan your trip around the Feria, check the current date and programme.

The Mercado Romano takes place in Saldaña on the third weekend of July. Its purpose is to promote Saldaña and its comarca through their historical and archaeological heritage and to celebrate the area’s existing craft tradition. For this event too, it is advisable to check the current programme before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Villarmentero De Campos, Pedraza De Campos, Calzada de los Molinos, Alar del Rey, Vidrieros, Moratinos, Herrera De Valdecañas, Tarilonte De La Peña.

For the regional travel overview: Palencia.