Villavicencio de los Caballeros brings together architectural and art history, religious traditions and a steppe landscape. This offers different ways to choose what to focus on: church architecture and sacred art, traditions on specific dates, or nature and birdlife. The historic buildings tell stories not only of a single era; their dates range from the 15th century to modern times.
Churches and works of art from different centuries
Several construction phases can be distinguished at the Iglesia de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora. Its polygonal chancel was built in the early 16th century in the Gothic style. The main altarpiece dates to the end of the 16th century: the sculptures are by Bautista Vázquez, and the polychromy by Tomás de Prado and Antonio Lozano. The three naves were built in the 18th century; the work was completed in 1755. The chancel, altarpiece and naves thus represent different periods in the architectural and artistic history of the church.
Three silver processional crosses from Villavicencio’s three churches are kept in the same church. The oldest dates from the 15th century and is attributed to a pupil or successor of Enrique de Arfe. In addition to the altarpiece, those interested in sacred art will find an object here with a distinctly earlier date of its own.
The Iglesia de San Pedro offers a different architectural comparison. It dates from the last quarter of the 16th century; work on the naves and sacristy is documented in 1580. Four cylindrical pillars divide its three naves. The transept is covered by a dome on pendentives. These transitional elements connect a dome to the structure below it. The church also houses a sculpture of Saint Peter by Alejo de Vahía, made around 1500. A virtual 360-degree tour of San Pedro is also available.
Towers, ruins and architectural history
On the southern edge of Villavicencio de los Caballeros, the ruins of the Iglesia de San Pelayo lie below a distinctive Mudéjar tower known as the “Faro de Campos.” There are 48 windows on the tower’s upper floors. The Torre de San Pelayo serves as a viewpoint over Tierra de Campos. The ruins, the shape of the tower and its traditional name give this building a different emphasis from churches with their altars and sculptures.
El Palacio, Castillo de Villavicencio or La Mota refers to a complex of towers and an enclosure made of rammed earth. Other historic buildings are also defined by their present condition: the Benedictine monks of Sahagún founded a nunnery priory in Villavicencio, whose building is now in ruins. Cayetano Francos y Monroy left the town a palace in Tierra de Campos that is now at risk of falling into disrepair.
Holy Week and a feast day in the annual calendar
In Villavicencio, the Tercera Orden is a Holy Week tradition. On Maundy Thursday, the Passion is depicted through the praying of the Franciscan Crown; the following day, the Descendimiento is performed. This performance takes place on Good Friday at the Iglesia de Santa María. Members of the San Francisco brotherhood perform it, followed by the Entierro procession. The feast in honour of the Santo Cristo de la Gracia is celebrated on 14 September. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these dates, check the specific programme locally.
Steppe landscape and birdlife
Penillanuras-Campos Sur lies between the Cea and Valderaduey rivers. This protected landscape is a relatively uniform steppe plain where dry-farmed cereals are grown. The area is of particular interest for steppe birds, including Montagu’s harrier, lesser kestrel, little bustard and great bustard. The nature theme adds a focus on landscape and wildlife to the historic buildings, without limiting the experience to individual sights.
Discover more destinations: La Pedraja De Portillo, Nava Del Rey, Tordesillas, Vega De Valdetronco, Villalón De Campos, Cistérniga, Montemayor De Pililla, Villabáñez.
For the overview of the wider region: Valladolid.
