Free walking tours in Sepúlveda and what to see

Must-sees

Sepúlveda is a medieval town on a hill, between the gorges of the rivers Duratón and Caslilla. The centre is the Plaza de España, surrounded by arcaded houses and presided over by the castle remains. From there a slope climbs to the 11th-century church of El Salvador, with one of the oldest Romanesque arcaded galleries in Castile. The views from the top take in the whole village.

Then go down to the church of Santa María de la Peña, on the edge of the gorge, and look for the gates of the old wall. The old church of Santiago houses the Casa del Parque of the Hoces del Duratón, a good place to get information before heading out into the countryside. Food is also a reason to visit, especially lamb roasted in a wood oven.

Free tours and guided visits

There are hardly any pay-what-you-like free walking tours in Sepúlveda. The usual options are guided visits of the historic centre, covering the Romanesque churches, the gates of the wall and the square, and explaining the history of its medieval charter. They help you understand how the town grew on the hill.

The most worthwhile options are trips into the Hoces del Duratón Natural Park. You can walk to the San Frutos hermitage, on top of a meander, or canoe through the canyon on the river. It is an ideal place to see griffon vultures, and there are guided birdwatching outings. Some areas have access restrictions during the breeding season.

How long to spend

The village can be seen in three or four hours: the square, the castle, El Salvador, Santa María de la Peña and a stroll through the streets. Add lunch, which is almost part of the visit here. For the Hoces del Duratón, allow another half day, or a full day if you want to walk to San Frutos and go down in a canoe. With two days you can do it all without rushing.

Where to stay

The best choice is to stay in the old town, near the Plaza de España, where the restaurants are and from where everything is a few minutes' walk away. The village's rural houses often have views of the gorges. If your plan focuses on the natural park, you can also sleep in nearby villages such as Villaseca or Carrascal del Río, closer to the San Frutos routes.