Visit Medina del Campo
Medina del Campo is in the Valladolid province in the Castile and Leon region of Spain. It is about 45 kilometers from the impressive city of Valladolid.
Explore Medina del Campo
Medina del Campo is home to the splendid Moorish castle of Castillo La Mota. The town itself is an important market town that became wealthy as a result of sheep farming. Even now it holds the largest sheep market in Spain.
The Castillo de la Mota is on the outskirts of the town. Its style is a mixture of Gothic and Mudejar architecture and it was built in 1440. As well as its military role the castle had a donjon and Cesare Borgia was one of its more famous prisoners.
The impressive castle dominates views of the town. Nowadays you can visit the castle which has a 10th century lobby, chapel and patio and a 15th century tower. Part of the castle can be visited free of charge or you can pay for a more extensive guided visit.
One of the castle visits that can be organised at the reception centre at the entrance to the tower includes a visit to to an Iron site as well as various parts of the castle.
Within the town the Plaza Mayor is the heart of Medina del Campo and the mansion house where Queen Isabel died is on the square. The house is called the Palacio Testamentario de Isabel because this is where she wrote her last will and testament. It was once a royal residence and home to Queen Isabel. The house dates from the 13th century.
The 16th century Collegiate church of San Antolin is also on the Plaza Mayor. It is predominantly Gothic but has undergone various modifications. Inside it has a plateresque altarpiece and some notable 16th century paintings.
Another significant building on the Plaza Mayor is the Casa del Peso, the official weights and measures building. This house is built over 5 arches and has a long balcony.
The Plaza Mayor is a popular meeting place and has a reasonable selection of bars and restaurants.
Also in the town is the Las Duenas Palace which has a beautiful Renaissance Plateresque design and was designed by Luis de Vega, architect to King Carlos I.
Medina del Campo is a Historic-Artisitic Site of Spain. Its Holy Week celebrations each year are so impressive and steeped in tradition that they have been declared an official tourist attraction.
Places to visit nearby
The remains of the Madrigal de las Altas Torres where Queen Isabel was born are a few km south of Medina del Campo.
Valladolid, the capital of Castile and Leon is an attractive city worth a visit and Zamora is home to lots of Romanesque churches and a luxury parador.
Salamanca to the South-west of Medina del Campo is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and not to be missed.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Castile and Leon guide.
Map of Medina del Campo and places to visit
Medina del Campo places to visit
Valladolid
Valladolid - capital of Castile and Leon and famous for its gardens. Valladolid has some magnificent Renaissance art and architecture.
Valladolid guide
Zamora
Zamora has lots of Romanesque churches scattered around the old quarter and these are home to colonies of storks.
Zamora guide
Salamanca
Salamanca is one of the most beautiful cities of all of Spain. Packed with fine Renaissance architecture built in golden-coloured stone.
Salamanca guide
Segovia
Segovia is situated on a rocky outcrop and has an amazing Gothic cathedral and a Moorish castle which dominates the city.
Segovia guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Castile and Leon
