Ribas de Campos can be explored through three distinct highlights: the architectural history of the monastery and church, the locks on the Canal de Castilla, and the wetlands along the Canal route. As you plan, consider whether you would like to set aside more time for architecture and local history or for landscapes and birdwatching. Each place offers a different focus: arrange an appointment to prepare for your visit to the monastery; along the canal, the locks, paths and observation points take centre stage.
Monastery, church and local history
The Church of San MartÃn de Tours dates from the 13th century and underwent extensive renovations in the 14th century. Its single-nave layout is characterised by pointed arches and a ribbed vault. Features include a traditional Baroque organ and a Rococo altarpiece from the second third of the 18th century. Its reliefs depict Saint Joseph, the Annunciation, the Marriage of the Virgin Mary and the Death of Saint Joseph. Architectural history and depictions from different centuries thus stand side by side.
The Monastery of Santa Cruz de la Zarza also has a long history: its origins date back to 922, while the present building dates from 1176. The monastery was run by the Premonstratensians and was declared a historic-artistic monument in June 1931. A visiting rule from 2024 lists daily visits by prior appointment. Arrange your visit in advance and check the arrangements for your visit date, as access conditions may change.
Distinct from these are the ruins of the Franciscan monastery of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación de Calahorra de Ribas, which stand on private property. Only the church’s bell gable and an L-shaped retaining wall remain. Its private location is an important distinction from the historic buildings whose visits are subject to separate arrangements.
A recurring date on the local calendar is the Feast of the Holy Relics on 4 July. It commemorates relics of Saint Martin of Tours, Saint Lawrence and Saint Blaise. If you are interested in local traditions, you can take this fixed annual date into account when planning your trip.
Locks and routes along the Canal de Castilla
The Calahorra de Ribas triple lock comprises locks 22, 23 and 24 on the North Branch. They were built between 1759 and 1804; the complex is the last triple lock on this branch. The three locks illustrate the engineering scale of the Canal de Castilla and offer a different focus from the town’s religious buildings.
Two details should be distinguished when planning your route. Stage 4 of the North Branch runs from Frómista to Calahorra de Ribas and is 17.3 kilometres long. A municipal route description dated 25 February 2022 outlines another route through Ribas de Campos: it starts in the municipal area, follows the right bank of the Carrión through poplar groves and ends at the junction in Calahorra de Ribas. This route description dates from 2022; as trail conditions can change, check it again before setting out.
Wetlands and birdwatching
Charca de Fuentemimbre is one of the protected wetlands in the ZEPA Lagunas del Canal de Castilla, which is part of the Natura 2000 network. It is described as a peaceful stop for observing the landscape and wildlife. At La Toja Lagoon, an open stretch of water is approximately 200 metres long and 100 metres wide. Reeds, bulrushes, rushes and yellow flag irises line the water. A small birdwatching observatory stands beside the path; La Toja is considered a birdwatching spot along the Canal de Castilla route.
The area around the Carrión also offers its own landscape feature: less than a kilometre from the town, the river has a strip of riverside vegetation consisting mostly of deciduous woodland. This gives you a choice of excursions to suit different interests: San MartÃn de Tours and Santa Cruz de la Zarza offer architectural and art history, Calahorra de Ribas the lock complex, and La Toja wetlands and birdwatching. The route details also help distinguish between the 17.3-kilometre stage on the North Branch and the route along the Carrión described by the municipality.
Discover more destinations
Marcilla De Campos, Melgar De Yuso, Pomar De Valdivia, Mudá, Villanueva De Arriba, Salinas De Pisuerga, Barruelo de Santullán, Quintanilla De Las Torres
For the main travel overview: Palencia.
