The Dominican nuns’ monastery and the Sendero de las Loberas reveal two different sides of Caleruega: sacred history and a trail that brings together natural and cultural heritage. In between are Romanesque architecture, archaeological traces and places connected with the Camino del Cid.
Monastery, churches and historic buildings
The Dominican nuns’ monastery was established by order of Alfonso X in the Guzmán-Aza family home and was inaugurated by Alfonso X in 1270. The monastery includes a 12th-century church and a cloister museum of sacred art. Among its exhibits are two polychrome stone sculptures from the 13th century: the Virgin Mary and the Angel of the Annunciation. The tomb of Infanta Leonor of Castile is also here; Alfonso X had it placed in the monastery he founded in Caleruega.
Another notable building is the Torreón de los Guzmán. The four-storey tower, dating from the 11th century, is 17 metres high and has been set up as an exhibition space. The Iglesia de San Sebastián offers a different architectural accent: this Romanesque church dates from the early 12th century. The tower, entrance portal and a twin window are among the surviving parts of its original structure. Santo Domingo was baptised in this church, which was also the first burial place of Blessed Juana de Aza.
The Dominican nuns maintain the birthplace of Santo Domingo in Caleruega. Visitors are welcome regardless of their religious affiliation. Visiting arrangements may vary.
Circular walks, landscapes and the Camino del Cid
The Sendero de las Loberas is an approximately 10-kilometre circular route that brings together natural and historical heritage and is suitable for all audiences. Along the way are three restored tenadas, traditional loberas, medieval cellars carved into the rock, springs, rest areas and a vulture feeding station. Check current route conditions and access regulations before setting out.
The “Las Loberas” nature interpretation centre is located in the Las Rozadas area near Caleruega. There, visitors can learn about the landscape’s distinctive features and observe the local flora and fauna from an adjoining viewing tower. The La Quiñonera wetland covers approximately 2,200 square metres and is suitable for birdwatching. It also has a birdwatching hide and a vulture feeding station; La Quiñonera lies on the long route of the Sendero de las Loberas. Conditions at facilities and habitats may change, so it is advisable to check the latest visitor information.
The Camino del Cid also provides a geographical link to the town’s history: on its road route, Caleruega is part of the Destierro section. A stretch of the route from Caleruega towards the Roman city of Clunia follows the Roman road that connected Zaragoza and Astorga. The equestrian statue of El Cid stands in Parque del Cid, 200 metres from the Torreón de los Guzmán. The bronze sculpture is three metres long. Beside it, a crow monument commemorates a symbol of good fortune on the Camino del Cid; travellers therefore often touch the tile bearing the image of a crow.
Archaeological traces and further discoveries
The earliest traces of settlement date back to the 9th and 10th centuries: La Pudia preserves the remains of a small village that developed during this period. Beside the large cross on Peña de San Jorge are the remains of an early medieval necropolis dating from the 10th century. Excavated remains of an early medieval Christian chapel can also be found near Caleruega. It was probably dedicated to Santa Centola and was likely built in the first half of the 10th century. As for the San Mamés site, it is one of the medieval archaeological sites near Caleruega that have been prepared for public visits. Check current access conditions on site.
The Ermita de San Mamés was built between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The rock-cut cellars tell another chapter of local history: Bodega Alfonso VIII is considered Caleruega’s oldest wine cellar and preserves a single, 25-metre-long room carved into the rock.
The remains of the Santa-Centola chapel also offer a window into the area’s history. Following work completed in 2023, its immediate surroundings were prepared for visitors and furnished with explanatory and interpretive signs, as well as a 3D model of the remains. Check the current conditions at the site before visiting.
Plan your visits and dates
For visits to the monastery complex, the Caleruega tourist office has scheduled time slots from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 15:30 to 18:30, Tuesday to Sunday. Check the times before your visit. The Enramada takes place on the morning of 18 August on Calle Beata Juana de Aza during the Santa Juana celebrations. The event dates are traditional, but the specific arrangements may vary; check the details of your visit in advance.
Discover more destinations: Arroyal, Cebolleros, Fuentelcésped, Lodoso, Humienta, Hontoria De Valdearados, San Medel, San Millán de San Zadornil
For the higher-level travel overview: Burgos.
