Free walking tours in Palencia and what to see

Must-sees

The cathedral of San Antolín is Palencia’s great sight. It is known as the Unknown Beauty, because its interior surprises those who arrive not knowing what to expect. Beneath the church is a crypt of Visigothic origin. Nearby are the churches of San Miguel, with its Gothic tower, and San Pablo.

Calle Mayor, long and arcaded, is the backbone of city life. It leads to the Plaza Mayor and passes the old iron market hall. Along the river Carrión there are walks and parks, such as the Huertas del Obispo and the Puentecillas area. On a hill on the outskirts stands the Cristo del Otero, a great sculpture by Victorio Macho.

Free tours and guided visits

Palencia has few free tours. When there are any, they cover the centre, the cathedral and Calle Mayor. The usual plan is a guided visit to the cathedral and its crypt, and exploring the rest of the city on your own. The province has some very interesting trips. The northern Romanesque, with Frómista and Aguilar de Campoo, is the best known. The Roman villa of La Olmeda, with its mosaics, the Visigothic church of San Juan de Baños and the Canal de Castilla also stand out.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the city. In the morning, visit the cathedral and the nearby churches. In the afternoon, walk Calle Mayor and the river and go up to the Cristo del Otero. If you stay two or three days, spend the rest in the province, with the Roman villa and the Romanesque route, which needs at least a full day.

Where to stay

The best place to stay is the centre, around Calle Mayor and the Plaza Mayor. From there you can walk to the cathedral and the river, with shops and bars nearby. The city is small and quiet, so almost any central place works. If you will be taking trips, consider somewhere with easy parking.