Free walking tours in Ledesma and what to see

Must-sees

Ledesma is a walled medieval town on the banks of the river Tormes, north-west of Salamanca. The best way in is over the Puente Viejo, of Romanesque origin and rebuilt in the 15th century, which for centuries was the highest crossing over the river. Up top await the late 12th-century walls, of which only the San Nicolás gate still stands, and the trapezoidal fortress, remodelled at the end of the 15th century.

The church of Santa María la Mayor is the largest in town and holds an 18th-century Corpus Christi carriage. Santa Elena is the only one preserved almost intact since the medieval resettlement, and San Miguel houses the Bletisa Interpretation Centre, about the place’s ancient past. Round off the walk with the town hall, the old granary and the hospital of San José. About three kilometres away, the Puente Mocho is a good excuse for a riverside walk.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Ledesma. The most useful thing is to stop at the tourist office, on the ground floor of the town hall, for information on heritage visits and the interpretation centre. Many travellers come on a day trip from Salamanca, which is very close and has a far wider range of guided tours.

How long to spend

Allow about four hours to see the bridge, the fortress, the churches and the wall without rushing. If you add the walk to the Puente Mocho and a leisurely lunch, it becomes a full day. From Salamanca it works very well as a day trip.

Where to stay

Sleeping inside the walls is the best option: you can do everything on foot and at night the town is very peaceful. There are also rural stays in the surroundings, by the Tormes. If you cannot find a room, Salamanca is less than an hour away and has plenty of choice.