Ampudia

Ampudia, situated in the area known as Tierra de Campos, 22 kilometres from the city of Palencia, is a beautiful example of typical Castilian architecture and urban layout. Its old quarter has the Property of Cultural Interest designation.

The imposing Castle is located on one end of the town, close to the remains of the walls. With an elegant Gothic appearance, it was constructed between the 13th and the 15th centuries. It also contains an important archaeological and ethnographic collection. Another emblematic monument is the Gothic-Renaissance Collegiate Church of San Miguel. Because of its spectacular style, its 63-metre tower is known as the "Giralda de Campos". It was started in the 13th century and the works on it were not finalised until the 16th century. Inside, the main altarpiece, the Baroque organ, and the chapels of San Ildefonso and Santa Ana stand out. The Sacred Art Museum located inside of the Convent of San Francisco, a beautiful Renaissance building with Mudejar decor, is also worth visiting. The model for Castilian houses, which is two floors made out of adobe and with arcades, can be seen clearly on Ontiveros and Corredera streets. In the town's outlying area, about three kilometres away, stands the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Alconada. Built of ashlar stone and masonry, its north façade conserves remnants of the Romanesque church over which it was erected. Ceramic remains dating from the Bronze Age have been found in the surrounding area. Among the town's festivities, mention should be made of the national display of bobbin lace-making that takes place in June, and the Castilian market held during the patron saint festivities in September.