Plan a trip to Ciudad Rodrigo

Originally a Celtic town, the small city of Ciudad Rodrigo is located in the province of Salamanca in Western Spain, near the country’s border with Portugal. It is a cathedral city, rich in history, which is perched atop a rocky hill on the right bank of the River Agueda. 

Ciudad Rodrigo is famous for its medieval Old Town which is enclosed by imposing 12th century walls which have 7 gates. The oldest of the gates are Puerta del Sol and the Puerta de Santiago. As the majority of the architecture in the Old Town is characterized by the ornate Spanish Renaissance style, the area has been given historic-artistic status.

In addition to the palaces and stately homes in the historic quarter, the town is home to the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria, a medieval cathedral that was constructed in the 12th century and refurbished in the 16th century. A mix of different artistic styles, one of the cathedral’s outstanding features is its impressive entrance, Puerta de la Cardenas, whose frieze is decorated with beautiful sculptural reliefs. The Portico Del Pardon, with its Romanesque-style windows, is another famous landmark. The 14th century Castillo de Enrique II is now a hotel which has hosted many famous figures, including the King and Queen of Spain, and the 16th-17th century Palacio de los Aguila, a huge mansion decorated with the coast of arms of its former owners, is now home to a heritage center.

There are several grand buildings located on the town’s main square, Plaza Mayor, including the House of the First Marquis of Cerrablo, the 16th century Casa de los Cueto, and mid-16th century Renaissance City Hall.

The town is full of excellent restaurants which serve delicious local specialties such as farinato (sausage), chanfaina (rice and pork), and hornazo (a type of pie). The Bull Carnival (Carnaval del Toro) is one of the town’s most well-known festivals which attracts visitors from all over.