Located where the French Way of the Camino de Santiago crosses the Via de la Plata, Astorga is a historically significant town in the Spanish province of Leon. It centres around an atmospheric medieval core with a Gothic-style cathedral and a bishop’s palace designed by Antoni Gaudi.
Things to do in Astorga
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss Museo del Chocolate, which occupies an elegant mansion that dates back to the early 20th century. As you browse the vintage equipment and advertising posters on display, learn about the importance of chocolate to Astorga’s economy during the 18th and 19th centuries. After discovering the benefits of eating chocolate, you can sample a few pieces yourself.
In the heart of Astorga is the Palace of Gaudi, a bishop’s residence named after the renowned Catalan architect who was responsible for its design. Constructed around the turn of the 20th century in a Modernisme style, it is now home to Los Caminos Museum. Its collection includes polychrome wooden sculptures from the medieval period and Renaissance-style gold objects, as well as artefacts related to the Camino de Santiago.
Nearby is the Cathedral of Santa María de Astorga, a magnificent Gothic church dating back to the 15th century. It has been renovated numerous times since, with Baroque towers, a Renaissance portico and a Neo-Classicist cloister adding to its appeal. Treasured religious artworks are housed within the cathedral, including an impressive high altar by Gaspar Becerra.
Getting around Astorga
Astorga is around 45 minutes’ drive from Leon and 35 minutes from Leon Airport, which has flights to destinations across Spain. Regular trains connect to the Astorga railway station and buses travel through the town. The centre of Astorga is compact enough to explore on foot.