Spain Castile and Leon

Salamanca, located in northwestern Spain near the Tormes River, is part of the regions of Castile and Leon, close to the Portuguese border. Home to the University of Salamanca (Universidad de Salamanca), it is a small, vibrant university town that attracts students from all over the world who come here to study Spanish.

Founded in the 1st century BC by the Romans, its rich historical and architectural heritage, as well as its numerous annual festivals, make it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourism. 

The city is located in North-Central Spain about 30 miles from Madrid. 
Because of its prime geographical location, bordered by two rivers and at a crossroads to the famous pilgrimage routes –the Camino de Santiago- it is a city that is steeped in a rich, complex history. Between the well-preserved architectural remains of this illustrious history and the beauty of its natural landscape, Segovia is a magical city which attracts visitors year-round.

Avila is the capital city of the Spanish province of Avila located in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon. Sitting at an altitude of over 3700 feet above sea level, the city is surrounded by an intact, fully preserved Romanesque medieval wall, earning it the distinction of being “the finest medieval remnant in Spain.” It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. 

Is located on the Pisuerga River in the autonomous community of Castile and León. Valladolid was once the imperial capital of Spain and a prosperous center in Renaissance Spain, and it is, today, a modern city of 300,000 inhabitants.

Originally a Celtic town, the small city of Ciudad Rodrigo is located in the province of Salamanca in Western Spain, near the country’s border with Portugal. It is a cathedral city, rich in history, which is perched atop a rocky hill on the right bank of the River Agueda. 

Burgos, the capital of the Spanish province of Burgos, is located in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon. Dating back to the 9th century, it was founded by Diego Rodriguez Porcelos, the second Count of Castile, on the banks of the Arlanzon River in order to expand the Christian population. Situated at a high elevation of 2838 feet above sea level, it was a strategic fortress as well as a major stop along the historic Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) pilgrimage route. Burgos served as the capital city of the United Kingdom of Castile and Leon until the mid 16th century when Madrid rose to importance. Architects and sculptors built Gothic-style buildings, and Burgos became known as the Gothic capital of Spain.

The city of Zamora is the capital of the Zamora province in the Castile and Leon region of Northwest Spain. It is a fortress city, surrounded by well-preserved walls and gates, situated on the northern bank of the Douro River.