We are very clear that 'Zamora was not won in an hour'. Because to be able to enjoy it, you need more time. That is what we will dedicate today to all the people who want to know what to see in Zamora. A place full of charms that you cannot miss.
The city is home to a large group of Romanesque buildings, both within its municipal area and in the part of the historic center. It is said that it is one of the cities in Europe with the largest number of temples of this type. A tour of palaces, castles and churches that cannot be missing from your agenda.
What to see in Zamora, the cathedral
Without a doubt, one of the main points of this place is its cathedral. It dates from the XNUMXth century and it is a simple and not too big cathedral. At the end of the XNUMXth century it was declared a 'National Monument'. Although his style is marked by the romantic, he is not the only one. It has some Byzantine influences and Gothic finishes that were installed in it in the XNUMXth century. All this makes this place a magical environment, which must be one of the obligatory stops on our tour.
The castle of Zamora
Right next to the cathedral, we find the Alcañices street. This will take us to the castle and its surrounding park. The truth is that it is very close, so we will quickly see it. This castle was built when Ferdinand I was on the throne, in the middle of the 2009th century. It has a series of walls around it, which leads us to think that its purpose was only defensive. In addition to its beauty, there is nothing like going through the park and the viewpoints that it leaves us because there is also a great expectation that you must know. You can also cross the former drawbridge and see the main moat. It had a great reform in XNUMX and thanks to it, you will have better access and impressive views.
Churches of the old town
As we have commented at the beginning, when we think about what to see in Zamora, the churches and temples are quite numerous. So, a tour of the old town takes us to see different churches. Among them we highlight the 'Church of San Pedro and San Ildefonso' that after the cathedral is one of the most important temples. The remains of Saint Atilano, patron saint of the city, rest there. On the other hand, we cannot forget the 'Church of Santiago de los Caballeros', since it was armed knight Rodrigo DÃaz de Vivar, the 'Cid Campeador'.
La 'Church of San Isidoro' It is romantic in style and built in the XNUMXth century. Its interior has remained practically the same as in its beginning. The 'Church of the Magdalena' It is a National Monument since 1910. It is said of the 'Church of San Claudio de Olivares' which is the oldest of the Romanesque. While the 'Iglesia San Cipriano' it is used as a concert hall.
The palace of the Momos
When we got to the Zorrilla Square, we look to the right and we will find the 'Palacio de los Momos'. As we said, the palaces are also another of the buildings that we will find in Zamora. In this case it dates back to the XNUMXth century. Although a priori we can say that it has a Renaissance style, we must also highlight its Elizabethan Gothic details. At first it was known as 'House of the Sanabria'. Of course, the passage of time also made its use very varied. In it we will find the Palace of Justice, so we will not be able to go inside.
Doña Urraca Gate
Called door or arch, but in both cases we are talking about the entrance to the wall of Zamora. It is striking as it is made up of two large towers. It is called like this in honor of Urraca de Zamora. She was the first-born of Fernando I. Although she has had other names, this has been the first that has been given to her and therefore, the best known. There is a relief, although it is quite deteriorated, where Urraca is seen leaning out of the window of his palace.
House of the Cid
It seems that there are several points like this, which are given different names. In this case, we are facing the so-called 'Casa del Cid' but also known as 'House of Arias Gonzalo'. You can see it right in front of the cathedral, occupying part of the walls and with a beautiful view of the Duero.
Bishop's Gate
Next to the 'Casa del Cid' we can find 'La Puerta del Obispo'. A name that comes from the rapprochement with the Episcopal Palace. It has also been referred to as Olivares Gate. In this case, it is one of the oldest, since many suggest that it was built in the XNUMXth century.
New or Stone Bridge
Between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries this Stone bridge. Although it must be said that due to a flood, it had to be rebuilt again. It has a length of 250 meters and connects the historical part with the so-called Plaza de Belén. It is another of the points to see in Zamora.
Aceñas de Olivares
In this group of mills that we are going to meet on the Duero River. Although since the beginning of the XNUMXth century they no longer have any kind of productivity. But it is true that it is another point of interest when we visit Zamora. These watermelons were built on the banks of the rivers to take advantage of the force of the currents.
Santa Lucia Square
At this point we are going to find another series of very important buildings. On one side will be the 'Palacio del Cordón' dating from the XNUMXth century. It is located in the area called 'low neighborhoods' and today it houses the 'Provincial Museum of Zamora'. Also in this area we can see the Church of Santa LucÃa, a Romanesque style building, of small dimensions but great beauty. All these points will be main when we ask ourselves what to see in Zamora.