This fortified medieval town near the Portuguese border has 12th-century walls, a Gothic cathedral, and a castle built by Henry II of Castile in 1372.
Ciudad Rodrigo sits on a rocky hill above the Águeda River in western Spain. You can walk the medieval walls, explore the 12th-century cathedral with its intricate choir carvings, or stay in the converted castle-hotel. The streets contain Renaissance buildings like Castro's Palace with its detailed Plateresque stonework, while the Plaza Mayor buzzes with activity around its 16th-century town hall.
Walking the Medieval Walls
The 12th-century walls stretch for over two kilometers around the old town, reaching heights of up to 20 meters in some sections. Seven gates lead into the city center, with Puerta del Sol and Puerta de Santiago keeping their original medieval architecture. Walk along the top of the walls for views across the plains and towards Portugal, just 25 kilometers away. The city added bastions and artillery positions to strengthen the walls in the 17th century.
Inside Ciudad Rodrigo's Cathedral
Built between 1165 and 1550, the Cathedral of Santa María combines late Romanesque elements with Gothic architecture. In the choir stalls, woodcarver Rodrigo Aleman created detailed figures depicting daily life scenes and mythical creatures. Visit the cathedral daily from 10 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM, with guided tours explaining its history. The cloister includes multiple architectural periods, with a Plateresque doorway decorated with intricate stone carvings.
Renaissance Mansions of the Old Town
Wealthy families built grand mansions throughout Ciudad Rodrigo during the 15th and 16th centuries. The Palacio de los Castro has spiral columns and stone lions on its facade. Plaza Conde contains three Renaissance mansions: Palacio Alba de Yeltes with corner balconies, Palacio de los Castro, and Palacio de Moctezuma - now the city's cultural center.
Local Food and Festivals
Try farinato, a local sausage made with breadcrumbs, pork fat, and paprika, which restaurants serve with fried eggs. The regional menu includes chanfaina (rice with pork) and hornazo (meat-filled pastry). In February, the Bull Carnival transforms Plaza Mayor with wooden barriers for five days of bullfighting events and street celebrations.
Getting Around Ciudad Rodrigo
Buses connect Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca several times daily, with a 90-minute journey time. You can walk across the old town in about 15 minutes, as it measures roughly 800 meters across. If driving, park in one of several lots outside the city walls - the largest is near Puerta del Conde.
