Free walking tours in Mahamud and what to see

Must-sees

Mahamud is a town in the Arlanza area of Burgos province, with a medieval past of some importance that still shows in its layout. The main reason to visit is the church of San Miguel, on the main square: a three-nave Gothic church with a very slender central nave and a 16th-century apse. It is known as a museum of altarpieces, as it holds around ten altarpieces from different periods, with a large Renaissance main altarpiece as the centrepiece.

Inside, a pulpit with a Mudéjar feel and a medieval baptismal font decorated with figures also stand out. Outside, in the centre of the village, a 16th-century stone pillory survives, and the walk is completed by the arcaded town hall, the Santa María and Villahoz entrance arches and several manor houses with coats of arms on their façades. Mahamud is part of the Arlanza Wine Route, and vineyards are part of the landscape.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Mahamud, but there is one activity on offer: a visit to an Arlanza appellation winery, with a look at production and a tasting of its wines. To get into the church of San Miguel, ask at the town hall beforehand, as it is not open at all hours. In Lerma, very close, there are guided visits of the ducal complex and its passageways.

How long to spend

One or two hours are enough for the village and the church of San Miguel, though the altarpieces deserve an unhurried visit. With the winery included, allow half a day. If you have a weekend, combine Mahamud with Lerma, Covarrubias and Santo Domingo de Silos, all a short distance away, for a very complete route through the Arlanza valley.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Mahamud is very scarce, so the most convenient option is to sleep in Lerma, about fifteen minutes away, which has hotels in historic buildings, guesthouses and rural houses. Covarrubias is another good base, full of charm and with small places to stay. If you prefer a city, Burgos is about forty kilometres away and lets you make it a day trip.