Escape through Aranda de Duero and its monuments

What to see in Aranda de Duero

Bathed by the untiring waters of the River Duero, surrounded by the unmistakable landscape of the Castilian plateau, Aranda de Duero has the character that its remarkable history gives it. Its strategic location has made Aranda de Duero, since time immemorial, an obligatory stop on the main roads of the peninsula, such as the important Cañada Real Segoviana. But this noble town, in addition to its great artistic and historical heritage, possesses the charms of its famous and deep-rooted gastronomy, to which are added the rich wines of the Ribera del Duero Denomination of Origin that are produced here.

Proposed itinerary to visit Aranda de Duero

Following this Escape through Aranda de Duero and its monuments we can immerse ourselves in its essence while we visit its monuments and walk through the streets of the old town. Monuments, churches, palaces and medieval buildings are an authentic journey through time and the history of Aranda de Duero. A town that lived in first person important events in the history of the Crown of Castile, which has the honour of having the oldest urban map in Spain and which today is, among other things, the nerve centre of the Ribera del Duero Wine Route. Whoever visits Aranda de Duero is undoubtedly surprised by its architectural heritage, tasting its typical roasted suckling lamb or the black pudding of Aranda, products that are also part of the hallmark of this Castilian town and that together with its other charms make our visit an unforgettable experience.

Main Square

Located in the very heart of Aranda de Duero, the Main Square owes its curious shape to the architectural growth that the town suffered throughout its history. It was also the scene of medieval tournaments, different festivities and countless historical events. Originally built outside the walls, the so-called New Square, already included in the defensive framework of Aranda de Duero, offers us a magnificent starting point for our escape through Aranda and its monuments. The typical arcades have been and still are witnesses of the bustling markets that have taken place here since ancient times. Buildings such as the Duero Tower, better known as the Corregidor House, seat of the town hall since the 16th century, or the Tertulia House, together with the arcades, give all their character to this crowded Main Square of Aranda de Duero.

Bridge of the Tenerías

We say goodbye to the Main Square of Aranda de Duero to meet the hidalgo river Duero, one of the three rivers that bathe this town, also marking its history and future. Walking along its banks will take us to the mouths of the Arandilla and Bañuelos. And it is in the latter that the Bridge of the Tenerías awaits us, a construction of which its exact origin is unknown but which, like the Bridge of Conchuela, retains its original structure, without this being affected by later modifications. Being one of the traditional entrance doors to the town of Aranda from it you can enjoy a beautiful picture cradled by the usually quiet flow of the river Bañuelos, while we replenish the energy spent along our walk following the banks of the river Duero.

Church of San Juan

We continue our visit to the village of Aranda de Duero going up the promontory on which our next stop is situated. The church of San Juan Bautista, dating from the 14th century, is the oldest temple we will find on our tour, and today houses the city's Museum of Sacred Art. Taking as its starting point its imposing bell tower, something older than the church itself and probably part of the first defensive wall of the town, this temple was erected. A temple that was the scene of important historical events in the evolution of Castile. With an interesting architectural and cultural heritage, an example of this is the chapel of the Calderonas and its imposing neoclassical altarpiece, without forgetting its Gothic façade and the nine archivolts that mark it out. Nor can we miss the Balcony of San Juan from where we will contemplate magnificent views of the Bridge Conchuela and its surroundings, or approach the nearby House of Balls.

Collegiate Church of Santa María la Real

A short walk ahead awaits us to one of the most important architectural jewels of Aranda de Duero and most representative of the Gothic Elizabethan. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, it soon surprises us with its spectacular façade, which is crowned by a singular crest. Emblem of the town, the façade invites you to enjoy it calmly, stopping at every detail and scene represented in it. Once inside, we will continue to be surprised by the royal image of this church which, together with its artistic heritage, makes us think that we are in an authentic cathedral. The main altarpiece, which replaces the one that initially existed and was unfortunately burned, the impressive pulpit made of walnut or the spiral staircase that gives access to the choir, are part of the history of this church whose splendour is clearly reflected in them. Carvings such as that of the Lying Christ or the altarpieces that crown the different chapels are also part of the jewels that we will find in this visit to the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Real.

Square of the Wheat

The Escape through Aranda de Duero and its monuments leads us through the streets of the town to places as emblematic as the Square of Wheat, which precedes the Isilla Street, the nerve center of the city and its historic center both in antiquity and today. The coquettish Square of Wheat housed bustling markets in which traders sold their cereals and products protected by the typical arcades that together with the old buildings make up the square. But the real jewels of this part of Aranda de Duero are hidden, as if they were a treasure, underground. It is there where we can find just over 7 km of galleries that house the approximately 120 underground cellars that the city has. Dating back to the Middle Ages, today there are several that give us the opportunity to visit them and immerse ourselves in the wine culture of Ribera del Duero.

Square of the Rollo and Palace of the Berdugo family

We left Isilla Street on one side for the moment to get closer to another of the historical places that Aranda del Duero has. A charming corner where the old Gothic-style judicial roll or pillory awaits us, which, together with the Berdugo Palace, gives splendour to the square that houses them. In the Renaissance style, the 15th century mansion, the Palace of the Berdugo family, has in its interior, among other jewels, the porticoed courtyard that gives life to the different royal rooms of the palace. These rooms are said to have been used by such illustrious figures as Napoleon himself, whose bed is still preserved in the palace. Both treasures of the historical-artistic heritage of Aranda de Duero share the same location. Although it was not until the middle of the twentieth century, when the jurisdictional roll was transferred here from its old location in the Main Square, where in the Middle Ages exercised its function.

Gardens of Don Diego

We return to Isilla Street to visit it as another inhabitant of the city, allowing us to take us to our next destination in this Escapada by Aranda de Duero and its monuments. The old Square of the Resina hosts today the gardens in honor of Don Diego, illustrious character of the most current history of the town. Outside the most representative places of the history of Aranda de Duero and its people, this modern square was in another era an obligatory passage for cattle and shepherds who followed the course of the Cañada Real Segoviana, as well as being the place where the timber and livestock markets were held. From this emblematic place, all that remains for us to do is go back into the historic centre of the town to set a new course for the nearby Main Square, where we will finally put an end to this route that has taken us through the history, monuments and corners of Aranda de Duero.

Map of the route

This map is a sketch made as an example of the route, in no case represents the best or the only itinerary to follow. Its development has not taken into account the current rules of circulation or the state of the places through which it passes and that could affect its layout.