In the province of Castile and Leon, Zamora is an unknown that is definitely worth a visit. Its historical legacy floods the streets of this city with incomparable beauty. With 23 of them, Zamora is the city with the most Romanesque temples per m2 in the world, and boasts a historical and cultural legacy like few others.
Are you interested in exploring this beauty? Discover what to see in Zamora and don't leave anything to chance!
Zamora: historical and Romanesque
Zamora boasts an exciting history dating back to Roman times, when the city was founded. Since then, this city on the banks of the River Douro has experienced countless historical moments that have left their mark on its streets and mediaeval buildings that are bound to charm you.
Here are some of the most important attractions that you will not want to miss on your visit to the heart of Romanesque culture:
- Starting with Plaza Mayor de Zamora. This square is home to jewels like the Old Town Hall, a fifteenth-century building rebuilt two centuries later in Plateresque style. It is also the setting for the famous Merlú Monument, which pays homage to Holy Week, and the church of San Juan.
- The church of Santa María Magdalena is one of the most important temples in the city, with its façade worth particular mention. Here, visitors are encouraged to look for the lying bishop or to spot one of the most emblematic weather vanes, the Peromato at the church of San Juan Bautista. The one you will see here is a replica, with the original on display at the Provincial Museum of Zamora.
- Zamora Cathedral, the smallest cathedral in Castile and Leon, houses one of the most important collections of Flemish tapestries in Europe. Nearby is the Casa del Cid, another of the city's tourist landmarks, like the Iglesia de los Caballeros (Church of the Knights), where El Cid was knighted.
- Located just behind the cathedral are the ruins of the Castle of Zamora, with just three towers remaining in addition to a section of the wall, some of the moat and the ruins of the parade ground.
- Another important point in the city is the Portillo de la Traición, through which Bellido Dolfos entered the city when he was being persecuted by El Cid after assassinating King Sancho II and freeing Zamora from a 7-month siege.
- A great idea for a walk around Zamora is to walk along the banks of the Douro and seeing the five bridges that cross it: the Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge), Puente de Hierro (Iron Bridge), Puente del Ferrocarril (Railway Bridge), Puente de los Tres Árboles (Three-Tree Bridge) and the Puente de los Poetas (Poets' Bridge), in addition to the foundations of the Roman Bridge.
- On the same river, we also find the old water and flour mills. Don't miss the Visitor Centre for Traditional Water Industries at the Aceñas de Olivares (Olivares Flour Mills).
- Another good walk is the modernist route, as Zamora has a route that forms part of the Arte Nouveau European Route with 19 buildings scattered throughout the historic centre, including the Casino de Zamora, which houses art exhibitions.
- You also definitely have to visit the Troncoso viewpoint and enjoy an exceptional panorama of the Douro, as well as visit the castle and tour its gardens. If we go at night, we can enjoy the night lighting that reaches the whole historic quarter.
- To replenish your strength, there is nothing like visiting one of the many terraces and bars that offer the typical 'patatas bravas' (chunky chips in a spicy sauce) or 'pinchos morunos' (meat skewers), some of which even have their own patented recipe.
Looking beyond Zamora: the province
Why not discover part of the province of Zamora? It is sure to surprise you! Its immense cultural and historical heritage makes it well worth the visit.
- Colegiata de Toro: Located in the wine capital, this twelfth-century building is a Romanesque wonder that will delight lovers of history and art alike. Make the most of your visit and let yourself be transported back in time in this charming mediaeval village that is bound to surprise you.
- Puebla de Sanabria Castle and Lago Sanabria Natural Park: Considered one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, Puebla de Sanabria is a mandatory stop-off on your visit to the province of Zamora. In addition to boasting immense charm, the town is located in a stunning natural setting. Worth particular mention here is Puebla Castle, a defensive fortress with a rectangular walled enclosure. And make sure not to end your visit before heading to Puebla de Sanabria Natural Park! The largest glacial lake on the Spanish mainland is just one of its many attractions.
Holy Week in Zamora
Holy Week in Zamora is one of the oldest Easter celebrations in Spain, dating back to the thirteenth century. In recognition of this, it has been declared an International Tourist Attraction.
In addition to its countless impressive processions boasting great artistic and heritage value, some dating back to the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, Holy Week in Zamora is particularly noteworthy on account of its character. Sobriety, silence and devotion reign supreme on the city's main streets during the processions. A number of these processions are almost legendary, such as the procession by the brotherhood of Jesus Yacente on Holy Thursday night, carrying an impressive Christ dating back to the seventeenth century and singing the famous "Miserere" after midnight.
The Passion of the Christ in Zamora rocks not only its participants to their core, but gets its spectators going too. Are you prepared to experience it for yourself? Are you going to miss it? Learn more about Holy Week in Zamora!
How to travel to Zamora.
Thinking about visiting the true cradle of Romanesque culture? At Renfe, we make things easy for you offering you the fastest, most comfortable and sustainable form of travel, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip. Take our AVE and Large Distancia (long distance high-speed) trains to Zamora.
What's more, Zamora train station is one of the most beautiful in Spain and well worth the visit. Located close to the historic centre of the city, this historic building takes its inspiration from the Renaissance period. So what are you waiting for? Travel to Zamora with Renfe! Consult our routes.