Palencia Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Palencia, a charming city located in the Castile and León region of Spain, offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Steeped in medieval heritage, this hidden gem is often overlooked by tourists, making it the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic Spanish experience.

Embark on a journey through time as you explore Palencia's historic city center. Marvel at the magnificent Gothic-style Palencia Cathedral, with its intricate architectural details and stunning stained glass windows. As you wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, you'll discover hidden plazas adorned with beautiful fountains and charming cafes, where you can relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the San Francisco Church and Monastery is a must. This well-preserved complex dates back to the 13th century and showcases a unique blend of Gothic and Mudéjar architectural styles. The monastery's cloister is particularly impressive, with its intricate stone carvings and tranquil gardens.

Nature lovers will find solace in the breathtaking landscapes that surround Palencia. Just a short drive from the city, you'll find the stunning Fuentes Carrionas Natural Park, offering a haven for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Explore the park's lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, and majestic mountains, immersing yourself in the beauty of the Spanish countryside.

No visit to Palencia would be complete without indulging in the region's delectable culinary offerings. From traditional tapas to mouthwatering local specialties, the city's restaurants and bars are sure to leave your taste buds satisfied. Be sure to savor the famous lechazo, succulent roasted lamb, paired with a glass of Ribera del Duero wine, known for its exceptional quality.

Alternative names: Population: 82.7 thous. (2019)Area: 36.57 mi²Elevation: 2444 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°0'35"N, 4°31'56"W

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Castile and LeónSpain

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Palencia Top Attractions

Palencia Attractions - What to See and Explore

Palencia offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Palencia Cathedral, Cristo del Otero, Church of San Miguel, Archaeological Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church • Architecture • Gothic architecture
Palencia Cathedral
Nestled in the heart of Palencia, a charming city in northern Spain, stands the majestic Palencia Cathedral, a stunning testament to Spanish Gothic architecture. Often referred to as "The Unknown Beauty" due to its relatively low profile compared to other Spanish...
Monuments and statues • Novelty architecture
Cristo del Otero
The Cristo del Otero is a large sculpture and symbol of the city of Palencia in Spain, located on a knoll on the outskirts of the city. Another name, much less popular, is the Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The sculpture was designed by Victorio Macho, and it is also the location of his tomb.
Church • Sacred and religious sites
Church of San Miguel
The church of San Miguel, in the Spanish city of Palencia, is a temple of Catholic worship, of late Romanesque and Proto-Gothic style, located on the banks of the Carrión River. The most characteristic feature of the building is its tower with...

Museum
Archaeological Museum
The museum of Palencia, installed in the house of the Cordón, is one of the main museums of the city of Palencia, in Spain, and brings together an interesting collection of prehistoric, Roman and medieval pieces and works of the province ...
Church
St. Francis Church
The church of San Francisco in the city of Palencia is a temple of Catholic worship built primarily in the thirteenth century in Gothic style with later Renaissance and Baroque additions.
Art museum • Museum
Diocesan Museum
The Diocesan Museum of Palencia is a museum dependent on the bishopric of Palencia and dedicated to the custody and study of the sacred art of the diocese. It is located in the Episcopal Palace of the capital of Palencia, and was inaugurated in...
42°0'40"N • 4°32'13"W
Museo Catedralicio
Museum
Park
Parque de Isabel II
The park Salón de Isabel II, better known by the nickname "El Salón" is a park located in the Spanish city of Palencia.
Park
Jardinillos de la Estación
Jardinillos de la Estación is a park in the city of Palencia. Better known by the people of Palencia simply as Jardinillos, it was inaugurated in 1875 along with the North Station and was created to provide a dignified gateway to the city.
Church • Sacred and religious sites
Iglesia de San Lázaro
The church of San Lázaro de Palencia is a Catholic temple that holds the category of parish. It was built in various stages from the fourteenth century, within the Gothic art, although with numerous later reforms.
42°0'58"N • 4°31'42"W
Plaza de San Juanillo
Park
Architecture • Memorial
Diputación de Palencia
The palace of the Diputación de Palencia is an important modernist building with neoclassical and neo-Renaissance elements and neo-baroque influences, archetype of the modernist constructions of the Palencia of the early twentieth century.
Church
Iglesia de la Compañía
The church of La Compañía, also called Nuestra Señora de la Calle, is a Catholic parish church located in the Plaza de Isabel la Católica in the city of Palencia. Built by the Jesuits at the end of the 16th century, it houses the patron saint ...
Park
Parque Huerta de Guadián
Huerta de Guadián Park is a park in Palencia, one of the largest and most characteristic of this Castilian capital.
42°0'53"N • 4°32'10"W
Convento de San Pablo
Memorial
Memorial
Ermita de San Juan Bautista
The church of San Juan Bautista is a small archetypal temple of the rural Romanesque Palencia. It is located in the Huerta de Guadián Park in the city of Palencia. It was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1981, so it currently has the...
Square
Calle Mayor
The Main Street of Palencia is a public street located in the heart of the city, it is the backbone of the city, commercial center par excellence and location of most of the civil monuments of Palencia.
Church
Iglesia de San José
The Palencia church dedicated to San José Obrero, is a large Catholic temple erected in 1953 in the neighborhood of Campo de la Juventud. It is a construction of contemporary-eclectic style mainly in brick, stone and glass.
Church • Architecture
Monasterio de Santa Clara
The Monastery of Santa Clara de Palencia, more popularly known as Monasterio de las Claras, is a religious building built in Gothic style between the 14th and 15th centuries. The conventual part is still inhabited by a community of Poor Clare nuns...

Day trips

Palencia – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Palencia, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Burgos Cathedral (Burgos), Museo Nacional de Escultura (Valladolid), Colegio de San Gregorio (Valladolid).

48 milesNE
13th-century Gothic place of worship
Burgos Cathedral, Burgos
The Burgos Cathedral is a breathtaking masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a prominent landmark in the historic city of Burgos, Spain. Officially known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos, this grand structure was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984...
26 milesS
Museum, Art museum, Isabelline Gothic architecture
Museo Nacional de Escultura, Valladolid
Nestled in the heart of Valladolid, Spain, the Museo Nacional de Escultura stands as a testament to the country's rich artistic heritage. Housed in the exquisite Colegio de San Gregorio, a historic building dating back to the late 15th century, the museum boasts an...
26 milesS
Museum, Gothic architecture, Art museum
Colegio de San Gregorio, Valladolid
Nestled in the heart of Valladolid, Spain, the Colegio de San Gregorio stands as a testament to the city's rich historical and cultural tapestry. This former religious college, established in the late 15th century, has been transformed into a museum that captivates...
27 milesS
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Casa de Cervantes, Valladolid
Nestled in the heart of Valladolid, Spain, the Casa de Cervantes is a museum that pays homage to one of the most celebrated figures in Spanish literature – Miguel de Cervantes. This historic house, where the esteemed author of "Don Quixote" once resided, has been...
27 milesS
16th-century Catholic cathedral and museum
Valladolid Cathedral, Valladolid
The Valladolid Cathedral, officially known as Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, stands as a testament to the religious history and architectural heritage of Valladolid, Spain. This grand church, though unfinished, dominates the cityscape with its imposing...

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Best Time To Visit Palencia

Learn when is the best time to travel to Palencia weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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September is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June and August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in July, August and September. Most of it rains in May and June.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Palencia?

The top attractions to visit in Palencia are:

What is the best time to visit Palencia?

September is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June and August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.