Visit Castrillo de los Polvazares
Castrillo de los Polvazares is in the province of Leon in the Castile and Leon region of Spain. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.
Explore Castrillo-de-los-Polvazares
Castrillo de los Polvazares started life in a different location but a terrible flood wiped it out and it was rebuilt in its current location in the 16th century. It has been built in a beautiful reddish stone and in certain lights the whole village glows.
Castrillo's streets are cobbled using the same stone as the houses giving the village a very attractive golden reddish/colour throughout. Many of the houses have unusual wide doorways. This is because Castrillo started life as a trading town and the wide doorways allowed travelling merchants to pass in and out easily with their goods.
It attracted pilgrims from both the Camino de Santiago de Compostella (the pilgrim route) and the trade route from Seville in the south of Spain to Gijon in the north. This trade route known as the 'silver route' has been used since Roman times.
Castrillo de los Polvazares was declared a historic and artistic monument in 1980.
Wander around the village and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. There is a bar/restaurant if you are in need of refreshments.
Castrillo de los Polvazares is one of Spain's Historic-Artistic Sites.
Despite being only about 5 km from Astorga and 3km from the Camino de Santiago (Pilgrim Way) Castrillo de los Polvazares remains quiet and peaceful and relatively undiscovered.
Places to visit nearby
The beautiful town of Astorga with its Gothic Cathedral and the Palace Episcopal designed by Gaudi is so close it would be a real shame not to get the chance to visit.
At nearby Ponferrada you can visit a Templar castle and in Leon you can stay in the Parador de Leon which was once the headquarters of the Knights of Santiago.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Leon guide and the Castile and Leon guide.
Map of Castrillo de los Polvazares and places to visit
Castrillo de los Polvazares places to visit
Astorga
Astorga has a fine cathedral and a multi-turreted palace the Palacio Episcopal (Bishop's Palace) designed by Gaudi.
Astorga guide
Ponferrada
Ponferrada is a town on the Camino de Compostela that is home to a Templar castle.
Ponferrada guide
Leon
Leon has a famous gothic cathedral with fabulous stained glass windows, the Basilica of San Isidoro and San Marcos Convent now a luxury parador.
Leon guide
Las Medulas
Las Medulas is a beautiful area of striking red rocks created by an ancient Roman gold mine.
Las Medulas guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Castile and Leon