Peñafiel

The town of Peñafiel was fortified in 1307, and has always been a leading trade centre and historic site. Its famous hilltop castle was declared a National Monument in 1917.

The present appearance of the castle reflects several building periods, starting in the 9th or 10th centuries, and finalising in the mid-15th century. The fortress is very well-conserved, in the form of a ship, with over 200 metres of walls. The 30-metre-tall castle keep is flanked by two courtyards: the northern one, where the wells and storerooms were found, and the southern courtyard, once the location of the stables and barracks, which is now home to the Provincial Wine Museum.Peñafiel is rich in wine and history. Its streets reflect its past, with sites like the Jewish quarter and the Plaza del Coso, a popular square with traditional wooden balconies. Its important built heritage also includes the church of Santa María, which houses a museum of religious art; the church of San Miguel de Reoyo; and the convents of San Pablo, Santa María, and Santa Clara.Another point of interest is Parque de la Judería, a park in the form of a pretty path on the banks of the river Duratón, ideal for a peaceful stroll.