Visit Zamora
Zamora is the capital of the province of Zamora in the Castile and Leon region of Spain.
Zamora is an attractive city with a medieval past. It has 12 lovely Romanesque churches from the 12 and 13th centuries, each with attractive carved portals and a towers which are homes to some of Zamora's stork population. Zamora's cathedral is an attractive Romanesque building topped by a very attractive dome.
Explore Zamora
Zamora's Romanesque churches are very attractive and Zamora is notable for having more of these than any other city in Europe. Particularly worth seeing are the Iglesia de San Ildefonso, the Iglesia de la Magdalena and the Iglesia San Juan de la Puerta Nueva.
The cathedral was built in just 23 years which was an astonishing feat. It is a particularly good example of Spanish Romanesque architecture. Inside it has some attractive Mudejar pulpits. It has a beautiful domed roof which is tiled with tiles resembling fish scales. Surrounding the cathedral are the ruined walls of the old citadel and the remains of the Castillo. You can get good views of the surrounding countryside from here.
Zamora has several palaces one of which is now a luxury parador. The Parador de Zamora is a beautiful 15th century Renaissance palace with a Renaissance courtyard and it maintains a medieval feeling throughout. Definitely the place to stay if your budget stretches to it.
The Casa del Cordon and the Casa de los Momos are also attractive buildings in Zamora. The Palacio de los Condes de Alba y Alista has a patio and stairway decorated by artists from Lombardy in Italy.
Above the town is the castle of Zamora which was built in the 10 to 12th centuries in Romanesque style. It has great views over the town and river from its keep.
Outside of the main walls the Traitors Gate ( Postigo de la Traicion) is where Sancho II was betrayed and killed in 1072. This betrayal followed years of fighting between the three sons of Ferdinand I. Sancho II was the victor but following his assasination when he tried to take Zamora from his sister, Alfonso VI became the king of Castile and Leon.
Zamora has several museums. The cathedral museum houses a collection of 15th century Flemish tapestries known as the 'Black Tapestries'
The Museo de la Semana Santa is in Church of Santa Maria la Nueva near the Plaza Mayor is contains statues which depict the Passion of Christ and are used in the Easter Parade as part of the Easter celebrations in Zamora.
The Museo Provincal offers an insight into Zamara and the area.
The Baltasar Lobo museum is dedicated to the works of the famous Spanish sculptor.
Places to visit near Zamora
The beautiful city of Salamanca is only about an hour away. It is one of our favourites in Spain and not to be missed.
If you are a wine buff, the town of Toro is 33km to the east and is centre of one of Central Spain's best wine regions.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Zamora guide and the Castile and Leon guide.
Map of Zamora and places to visit
Zamora places to visit
Salamanca
Salamanca is one of the most beautiful cities of all of Spain. Packed with fine Renaissance architecture built in golden-coloured stone.
Salamanca guide
Medina del Campo
Medina del Campo is home to a huge Gothic-Mudejar style castle the Castillo de la Mota.
Medina del Campo guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Castile and Leon