Ciudad Rodrigo: Spain

The site on which Ciudad Rodrigo stands, a rocky hill on the banks of the river Águeda, has been populated since the Neolithic period. Around the 6th century BC, the "vetones", a tribe of Celtic origin, founded the city of Miróbriga and settled there. Four centuries later, the Romans conquered the city and re-named it Augustóbriga in honour of the emperor Octavian Caesar Augustus. Dating to this period are the Three Columns, an enigmatic monument that still stands at the foot of the city's entrance. The object of centuries of dispute between the Arabs and Christians, this fortified town was repopulated in 1100 by Count Rodrigo González Girón, from whom it took its definitive name. King Ferdinand II of León completed the repopulation of the area and undertook several ambitious projects, including the fortification of the city and the restoration of the old Roman port. It was also during his reign that the city regained its status as an Episcopal See and that works on the Cathedral commenced.
The main buildings of the historic quarter, which is an Historic-Artistic Site, date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, a period during which the city enjoyed its golden age...

The walled city

The main defining feature of the city is the imposing medieval wall that surrounds it. This was constructed in the 12th century during the reign of Ferdinand II, although alterations were subsequently carried out during the 18th century. The walled enclosure has a perimeter in excess of 2 kilometers and seven gates, the oldest of which are the Puerta del Sol and the Puerta de Santiago.

The Puerta de la Colada leads to the promontory on which the Castle of Henry II was erected by order of the king in 1372. A square-plan keep presides over the fortress. The complex currently houses the city's parador.

Situated in the Plaza Mayor, or main square, are several stately buildings, such as the House of the First Marquis of Cerrablo, the 16th-century Casa de los Cueto, and the City Hall. The latter was constructed during the mid-16th century in the Renaissance style but also contains elements added at the beginning of the 20th century. Its main façade has two emblazoned towers and a gallery supported by columns with plateresque capitals.

The boom enjoyed by the city during the Renaissance period gave rise to the emergence of numerous palaces and mansions. One of the most outstanding of these is the so-called Palacio de los Castro with its beautiful plateresque portal flanked by spiral columns crowned by figures of lions. Particularly noteworthy in this context is the Palacio de los Águila (16th-17th centuries), an austere mansion adorned with the coats of arms of its former owners. A tour of the city could also include the Neo-Gothic Palacio de la Marquesa de Cartago constructed during the 19th and 20th centuries, the Moctezuma palace, which now houses the municipal cultural centre, the so-called Casa de los Vázquez, now the main post office, and the Palace of the Count of Alba de Yeltes.

Religious Architecture

The Cathedral is the most important religious building in Ciudad Rodrigo. Although construction commenced around 1165, the building was not completed until 1550 and the result is therefore a mixture of artistic styles. The outstanding element of the façade is the Las Cadenas entrance, the frieze of which is decorated with several sculptural reliefs. The interior of the church is divided into a central nave and two lateral aisles, each covered by rib-vaults. The Main Chapel, situated in the apse of the central nave, has a stellar vault, the work of Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón. Special attention should be paid to the choir stalls, which contain several profane scenes carved by Rodrigo Alemán in 1498.Meanwhile, the Diocesan Museumcontains a collection of religious art.

Situated close by is the so-called Capilla del Marqués de Cerralbo, a magnificent temple in the Herrera style with a grand dome on a base providing the crest. The interior of the church preserves exquisite walnut reredoses. The old quarter contains other beautiful churches, such as those of San Agustín (16th century), San Pedro (12th century) and the Church of the Franciscanas Descalzas (17th century). Situated on the outskirts of the city, en route to the Águeda reservoir, is the 16th-century Monasterio de la Caridad.

In terms of culture, one of the most popular "fiestas" amongst the inhabitants of Ciudad Rodrigo is the so-called Carnaval del Toro (bull carnival). As its name suggests, bulls play a major role in this celebration, with the Plaza Mayor serving for several days as a stage for amateur and professional bullfights with young bulls as well as other festivities.

It fell to the castle at Ciudad Rodrigo to defend Spain against both the Moors and also to watch over and defend the border with Portugal. The castle with its magnificent tower, Torre del Homenaje, is set on a cliff overlooking the river Agueda and the plains below.
This bastion was built by Enrique de Trastamara in the 14th century after he had killed his stepbrother - the legitimate king, Pedro The Cruel - and usurped his throne.

In this town, perhaps the most critical part of Spain's history played out. The Visigothic King Rodrigo raped the daughter of the governor of Ceuta (located in North Africa - in modern day Morocco). The governor was so enraged that he allowed the Moors to disembark for Spain from his port and thus began the Moorish conquest and occupation that lasted for centuries. Rodrigo history says that he was entombed alive himself with a poisonous snake for die in terrible pain trying to atone for his sin.

The fine Parador Ciudad Rodrigo overlooks the town and is the perfect base from which to take walking excursions. The old walled city is great for just wandering around with no particular itinerary. Don't miss the beautiful cathedral. Construction on this cathedral was begun in the 12th century. Its design is part Romanesque and part Gothic.

Parador Ciudad Rodrigo
The Parador Ciudad Rodrigo overlooks the town and is the perfect base from which to take walking excursions into the ancient town of Ciudad Rodrigo. The old walled city is great for just wandering around with no particular itinerary. The Parador is a grand castle (official name is Parador Enrique II) that has magnificent tower, Torre del Homenaje, and is set on a cliff overlooking the river Agueda and the plains below.

Historically, it fell to the castle at Ciudad Rodrigo (now the Parador) to defend Spain against both the Moors and also to watch over and defend the border with Portugal. The castle also played an important role in the war with Napoleon and the French. This bastion was built by Enrique de Trastamara in the 14th century after he had killed his stepbrother - the legitimate king, Pedro The Cruel - and usurped his throne.

In Ciudad Rodrigo, perhaps the most critical part of Spain's history played out. The Visigothic King Rodrigo raped the daughter of the governor of Ceuta (located in North Africa - in modern day Morocco). The governor was so enraged that he allowed the Moors to disembark for Spain from his port and thus began the Moorish conquest and occupation that lasted for centuries. Rodrigo history says that he was entombed alive himself with a poisonous snake for die in terrible pain trying to atone for his sin.

The town is a fascinating place for discovery. There are palaces, convents, and original aristocratic mansions seemingly at every turn. Much of the original walls still surround the old section. You can climb up onto those walls from the Parador. The main cathedral is spectacular. Construction on this cathedral was begun in the 12th century. Its design is part Romanesque and part Gothic.

Interesting in-town excursions from the Ciudad Rodrigo Parador:
The wonderful 'old town' is very special. Take your time and meander it's ancient cobblestone streets at random - you'll be well rewarded.

Interesting half-day trips from the Parador include:
La Alberca - This photogenic little town is as traditional and original medieval mountain village as you will find anywhere. It has been declared a national monument city.

Las Batuecas - A wild and wonderful natural area with many walking trails.

Portugal - It is but a short drive to reach the border. Guarda - with its picturesque fortress is only 40 miles distant.

Salamanca - A World Heritage city, and a "must see" if you are ever near.

The Parador Ciudad Rodrigo has many fine features and presents a wonderful place to stay and bask in the palpable presence of history which completely permeates the place.

Despegar.com takes you to Spain… check the fares:



Expedia takes you there too… take a look:



Take this opportunity and visit the Walled City…
Book in Ciudad Rodrigo’s Parador...
Paradores de Turismo de España