Free walking tours in Aguilar de Campoo and what to see

Must-sees

Aguilar de Campoo is the gateway to the Montaña Palentina and one of the capitals of the Romanesque. Its main sight is the Monastery of Santa María la Real, beside the river Pisuerga, which houses a centre for the study of the Romanesque and a museum with models of churches from all over Spain. In the town, the arcaded Plaza de España and the collegiate church of San Miguel stand out.

Above the old town rise the castle and the Romanesque chapel of Santa Cecilia, with good views of the valley and the reservoir. Aguilar is also known for its biscuit-making tradition, part of everyday life in the town. In summer, the Aguilar reservoir is a good place for a walk or a swim.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Aguilar. The usual options are guided visits to the monastery of Santa María la Real and guided routes around the Romanesque of northern Palencia. These routes visit churches in nearby villages that are often only opened with a guide, so they are worth arranging.

For nature, the best trips go to the Las Loras Geopark, with the karst landscape of Las Tuerces and the La Horadada canyon. Very close by is the Cueva de los Franceses, in Revilla de Pomar, visited with a guide. And to the north, the Montaña Palentina Natural Park offers walking routes for every level.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the town, the monastery and the castle. If you want to follow a Romanesque route and see Las Tuerces or the Cueva de los Franceses, allow two or three days. A good split is one day for Aguilar, another for the district's Romanesque and another for nature.

Where to stay

The best choice is to stay in the centre, near the Plaza de España, where the bars and restaurants are and everything is on foot. If you have a car, it is also a good idea to sleep in a rural house in one of the nearby villages. That way you get more peace and are a few minutes from the Romanesque churches and the mountain routes.