Astorga

Astorga is in the Leon province of the Castile and Leon region of Spain.

Astorga is one of the towns which lies on one of the main routes of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The 'French route' starts at the French Pyrenees and passes through Burgos, Leon and Astorga.

Astorga's two main monuments are its cathedral and the Palacio Episcopal. Astorga still has some  impressive Roman walls surrounding parts of the city.

Astorga is popularly thought to be one of the most beautiful villages/small towns of Spain.

Visit Astorga, Spain

Astorga's cathedral was built between the 15th and 18th centuries and combines various styles including Gothic and Baroque.

 

Palacio Episcopal

 Opposite the cathedral is the rather bizarre Palcio Episcopal designed by Anton Gaudi for the bishop of the time who was a fellow Catalan. The palace's bizarre appearance and enormous cost horrified the church and no future bishops evers lived in it. It is now, though, home to the Museo de los Caminos, an excellent museum of the pilgrimage to Santiago. As well as the museum it is worth visiting the inside to see Gaudi's ceramic tiles and stained glass.

Palacio Episcopal by Gaudi

The town's main square, the Plaza Mayor, and its town hall are also very attractive and add to the beauty of this town.

 

Museums in Astorga, Spain

The cathedral houses a museum with exhibits including the jewelled Reliquary of the True Cross.

The Museo de los Caminos, in the Palacio Episcopal, has an excellent collection of art and items related to the Comino de Compostela - the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

Museo de Chocolate. Astorga had a flourishing chocolate industry in the 18th and 19th centuries and the museum is dedicated to this.

Museo Romana contains displays of Astorga's Roman origins.

Places to visit near Astorga