Castrojeriz is an important point on the Camino de Santiago in the province of Burgos. The town offers several points of cultural and historical interest: a medieval river crossing, the hilltop castle, church art and exhibitions on the history of pilgrimage, agriculture and trade. When planning your visit, you can therefore decide whether you are especially interested in the route, the history of the buildings or the themes covered by the collections.
The Camino de Santiago and the river crossing
The Camino de Santiago passes through Castrojeriz and crosses the River Odra via the medieval Puente de Bárcena, also known as Puente de la Vega. Both names refer to the same bridge. This crossing is a specific point of reference for anyone interested in the route of the Camino de Santiago through the town: the route, river and bridge are all part of this section. Castrojeriz is therefore more than just a name along the way; it is an important point on the Camino de Santiago as it passes through the province of Burgos.
The castle and sacred buildings
Castillo de Castrojeriz stands on a hill and is the first sight of the town. Its oldest surviving section is a rectangular tower dating from the 9th century; two more towers were added later. Its building history thus includes an early surviving section and later additions, rather than being reduced to a single construction date.
Outside Castrojeriz stands the Colegiata de Nuestra Señora del Manzano, a Gothic building dating from 1214. Its main altar features gilded decoration from the period of Bourbon grandeur and houses an Annunciation by Mengs. The Convento de Santa Clara is another religious building: it lies outside the walls of Castrojeriz and was built in the 14th century. The different dates and locations are therefore important when placing these buildings in context.
Collections on everyday life and pilgrimage
The Museo Etnográfico de Castrojeriz has been housed in the restored building since 1999. The very first room focuses on practical objects: it displays various implements, agricultural tools and a wine press. This selection draws attention to equipment and agricultural themes before other historical perspectives take centre stage.
Iacobeus explores the reasons for going on pilgrimage and the preparations made by both present-day and medieval pilgrims. It also covers the dangers pilgrims faced in the past, as well as remedies that eased their ailments. The themes range from the decision to set out and the preparations involved to the challenges along the way. If you want to explore the Camino de Santiago not only as a route but also as a history of pilgrimage, this offers a different perspective from the bridge or the buildings.
Wool, art and garlic
The exhibition “De Castrojeriz a Brujas” explores the expansion of Castilian wool exports to northern European markets in the 15th and 16th centuries, particularly to the Netherlands’ important weaving centres. It also presents Flemish paintings from Castrojeriz and its Merindad. These illustrate how Flemish artistic models were introduced to these areas in the 15th and 16th centuries. The exhibition thus offers two historical perspectives: the development of the wool trade and the influence of Flemish art.
The Feria del Ajo is also part of Castrojeriz’s gastronomic scene. It is a recurring event where visitors can watch garlic plaits being braided by hand. This traditional craft is a specific part of the event and complements the town’s art- and architectural-history attractions. These different themes can help you decide what interests you most about Castrojeriz—whether you want to focus on the Camino de Santiago, medieval architecture, the history of pilgrimage or regional gastronomy.
Discover more destinations: Ros, Cabanas de Virtus, Quintanar De La Sierra, PoblaciĂłn De Arreba, Olmillos De SasamĂłn, Castrillo Del Val, La Cueva De Roa, FrĂas.
For the broader travel overview: Burgos.
