Free walking tours in Becerril de Campos and what to see

Must-sees

Becerril de Campos is a village in the Tierra de Campos of Palencia province, very close to the provincial capital, that once had several parishes and today keeps a religious heritage surprising for its size. The best-known visit is San Pedro Cultural, a Romanesque church that was in ruins and has become a space devoted to astronomy. Inside there is a Foucault pendulum hanging from the apse, a ceiling reproducing the starry sky, a meridian line and a camera obscura that projects the image of the sun onto the walls.

The other big stop is the church of Santa María, no longer used for worship and turned into a sacred art museum, with panels by Pedro Berruguete and sculptures by Alejo de Vahía. The 16th-century parish church of Santa Eugenia holds a large Baroque altarpiece. Around the village you will also see the Mudéjar tower of San Martín, the Arco de Santa María, the last remnant of the walls, and the shrine by the Fuente Vieja. The Canal de Castilla passes Becerril among poplars, with bridges and locks that invite a walk along the towpath.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Becerril, but there are guided visits. The most common is San Pedro Cultural, which explains the pendulum, the meridian and the other astronomical installations; you can also book it online. The Santa María museum is part of the area's art routes, along with other Tierra de Campos churches.

How long to spend

In half a day you can see San Pedro Cultural and the Santa María museum and take a turn around the village. If you add a walk along the Canal de Castilla, allow a day. Becerril combines well with Paredes de Nava, the birthplace of Pedro Berruguete, a few kilometres away, and with the city of Palencia, so over a weekend you can explore this part of Tierra de Campos at leisure.

Where to stay

Becerril itself has rural houses and a small place or two to stay, ideal if you want peace and dark skies at night. Choice is short, so book ahead. The most convenient alternative is Palencia, very close by car, with hotels in the centre by Calle Mayor and the cathedral. Paredes de Nava and other villages in the area also have rural houses.