Discover a jewel box of churches, cathedrals and centuries-old architecture in Palencia. The city is set on the Carrion River and showcases architectural styles from throughout the centuries. Shop and dine on the pedestrianised main street, relax in riverside parks and sip wine in sun-drenched plazas.
Things to do in Palencia
Stroll along Calle Mayor and admire beautifully preserved buildings from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The 900-metre long street is pedestrianised and lined with shops and cafes. You’ll eventually find yourself in Plaza Mayor de Palencia, a sunny square framed by handsome buildings. Bars spill onto the covered terraces and serve wine, beer and traditional snacks like “torreznos” fried pork belly strips.
Centuries-old paintings by Flemish master Juan de Flandes decorate the interior of Palencia Cathedral. It’s one of the largest in Castile and Leon and is dominated by a floor-to-ceiling Renaissance altarpiece. Enter through Puerta del Obispo, an impressive stone doorway carved in the 16th century. Visit the on-site museum to see masterpieces by artists like El Greco and Lucas Cranach the Elder.
San Miguel Church towers over the city and welcomes you with a magnificent, honey-coloured stone façade. The church dates to the 11th century and is crowned by a 70-metre tall tower. It’s been rebuilt multiple times over the centuries and combines elements of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
Dine at local restaurants and try cuisine from Castile and Leon. The region is famous for hearty dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Fill up on “cordero asado” roast suckling lamb and veal stews padded out with garbanzo beans and “morcilla” blood sausage. Pair your meal with Denomination of Origin wines like Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero and Verdejo from Rueda.
Getting around Palencia
Palencia is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Local buses are a fast and easy way to cover longer distances. Palencia is in Northern Spain in the Castile and Leon region, a 2.5-hour drive from Madrid and 1.5 hours by train.