With just 82,000 inhabitants, the city of Palencia is considered the capital of the Spanish Romanesque style because it is home to wonderful treasures from that art period (11th to 13th centuries).
This small and welcoming city can also be proud of being one of the cleanest cities in Spain.
Some of the sites that you can’t miss in this city are:
Otero’s Christ
This is an impressive figure of a Christ that watches over the city from the top of a mount. It was built in 1931 by sculptor Victorio Macho, who was buried at the feet of his work. Its 30 metres make of it the highest Christ in the world. It is traditional to throw bread and small cheese truckles from its feet during the traditional festivities of Palencia.
San Antolin’s Cathedral
Nicknamed the “Bella Desconocida”, the Beautiful Unknown Lady, is one of the biggest and most impressive Romanesque temples in Spain. Inside this cathedral is San Antolin’s Crypt, where the remains of the patron saint of the city can be found. One of the gargoyles features the image of a photographer, sculpted by the stonemason who worked in the restoration of the temple.
Santa Clara’s Monastery
The church dates back to the 15th century and it is world-famous because the Christ of the Claras inside it. The Christ is a reclined figure and legend has it that his nails and hair keep growing.
Plaza Mayor
Dates back to the 17th century.
The Calle Mayor
Is the main artery of the city, the street where the commercial, cultural and administrative lives of the city blend together. It is the shopping street par excellence.
La Casa Junco
(Junco’s House) situated in Calle Mayor, it is a beautiful Baroque construction built for the nobility, dating back to the 18th century.