The stairs leading to the Church
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT SEPÚLVEDA?
If we were to tell the story of Sepulveda since its appearance, we would have to go back to the celtiberian settlements prior to the Roman occupation. In fact, it is believed that there was even an occupation in the Bronze Age, approximately 3,000 years ago.
But we would not have proof of Sepúlveda as such until the arrival of the King Alfonso III, in whose chronicles the name of the locality appears as we know it to this day.
As in most of the localities of Castilla y León, the repopulation launched by King Alfonso VI, Conqueror of Toledo and a key figure in the Reconquest, he gave an important boost to the city.
Sepúlveda, the getaway you need to disconnect from the city
The Middle Ages It would be a very important moment in its history for Sepúlveda, since with the arrival of the jurisdiction of Sepúlveda in the year 1076, the town became a fairly important city with a certain influence, enlarging its territories and causing a a certain rural exodus towards there, reaching its maximum splendor with the arrival of the Catholic Monarchs.
This incipient importance acquired by Sepúlveda led to an exponential increase in the economic level of the city. The new power of the city allowed the erection of many buildings of an official and religious nature that, at present, make up much of its artistic heritage.
In fact, the town of Sepúlveda is declared as Historic-Artistic Complex since 1951 given the enormous cultural wealth that it houses among its streets.
Hermitage of San Frutos
ROADMAP
Old jail. It is located next to the Tourist Office. As we had in Pedraza, the town of Sepúlveda also preserves the remains of his old prison a building that dates back to the 16th century and that also hides infinity of secrets inside its walls.
Prisoners who were confined in the dungeons that house its basement, in a very good state of preservation. The cells are located on the top floor, the men's cells separated from the women's cells, and their history can be discovered with a video that includes the visit to the Plaza Mayor.
The best way to plan your visit to Sepúlveda is part of the Main Square, basically because **next door is the Tourist Office ** (Plaza del Trigo, 6) and they will help you to organize yourself much better and not lose your nerve.
To observe the square is to discover the passage of different cultures who left their legacy in Sepúlveda. We can appreciate the remains of what was once the wall of the city and which are still preserved today three towers dating from the 10th century.
The balconies that we find take us to the typical villas of Castile where markets and bullfights were held under the watchful eye of a centennial clock where 7 keys are engraved representing the seven doors that the Sepúlveda wall had.
Panoramic view of Sepulveda
The churches. Sepúlveda is of great importance in terms of religious buildings, since in its time of maximum splendor it had up to fifteen Romanesque churches. Currently five are preserved, all of them with an immense artistic wealth.
the church of El Salvador, the oldest Romanesque building in Segovia, It dates from the year 1093 and has been a Site of Cultural Interest since 1931. It has a spectacular arcaded gallery.
Two other necessary visits are to the Church of the Virgen de la Peña, from the 12th century, which has a unique monumental portal with the Apocalypse of Saint John; and the Church of Saints Justo and Pastor inside which is the Fueros Museum, a space in which the history of Sepúlveda and its importance as a town can be discovered in greater depth.
Church of El Salvador, the oldest Romanesque building in Segovia
Streets, facades and Doors. As a good lover of rural tourism, every self-respecting traveler cannot fail to enjoy one of the best ways to unravel the history of a town such as Sepúlveda: roam the streets.
As you ascend towards the Church, you will be able to appreciate that each bend hides behind it a perfect snapshot to immortalize your visit. You can access through the different gates of the city, such as the Azogue or the Puerta del Río and observe fantastic details such as those on the plateresque façade of the House of the Proaño and their unmistakable shields.
You will also find the house of the Count of Sepúlveda, located in one of the most picturesque streets of the city and other notable ones such as the house of the Gil de Gibaja.
The Natural Park of the Hoces del Río Duratón, a wonder of nature
NATURE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY LOVERS
Another of the great attractions that Sepúlveda has as a weekend destination is the possibility of being able to enjoy outdoor experiences, activities that put us in direct contact with nature.
The town of Sepúlveda is located in the vicinity of the Natural Park of the Hoces del Río Duratón, declared a Natural Park in June 1989 and a popular destination for bird watching lovers.
The Duraton River meanders around Sepúlveda, settling in an immense canyon that has given rise to the development of an ideal ecosystem for wildlife of many species, mainly birds.
At the top of the canyon are located the hermitage of San Frutos, the Monastery of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de la Hoz and the Cueva de los Siete Altares. From the heights you can contemplate the force of the powerful nature in the form of the river's meanders, around which a wild nature emerges in the form of pine, blackthorn, elm and ash.
But surely the possibility of spot a griffon vulture It is one of the most exciting experiences, especially for those who love animal photography. Up to 195 bird species can be seen in the skies of the Natural Park, without detracting from the possibility of being able to portray in the distance some clueless roe deer or some curious wild boar to appear between the bushes.
Hiking? Of course. In addition there are a few routes. It is best to go to Hoces del Río Duratón Park House (Conde de Sepúlveda, 24) and ask for information about it. They are more than ready.
The Duratón River meanders through the surroundings of Sepúlveda, settling in an immense canyon
PLUS...
On the belfry of the Plaza Mayor there is a nest of storks. Although it has been withdrawn several times due to its size and weight, the storks they always build it again in the same place exact.
Each bell of the belfry of the Plaza Mayor has a mission. While one of the bells takes care of give the time, the other fixed the curfew with 33 chimes that meant the closing of the city gates.
Sepulveda prison is possibly one of the old prisons that fulfilled its mission for the longest years. The last prisoner it contained within its walls dates back to 1984. Bearing in mind that the prison has existed since 1543, do the math.
The roast lamb de Sepúlveda is famous for being one of the best in our country. As in the rest of the towns in Castilla y León, its secret is in quality lard and a good wood oven.
The Sepulveda Square patisserie It should be a World Heritage Site. Go, buy and tell later.
The old Sepulveda prison