The rural environment of Garuña is being reborn after decades marked by the nuclear power plant

In addition to five new bird observatories, six new bird observatories (where you can see the griffon vulture, the golden eagle or the peregrine falcon), four new bicycle tourism routes, and fifty electric bicycles for rent distributed in strategic points such as Ona, Pancorpo or Frias, the initiative that has become the crown jewel is Boat route through Burgos Straits.

he San Martin de Don Pier for Sopron Reservoir It is the starting point of a journey on the waters of the Ebro River that leaves no one indifferent. The new solar-powered boat, which can accommodate 50 passengers, follows a route surrounded by picturesque valleys once it passes a bridge. Tubalinella. On the other hand, the whole scene changes below Pico Humiun, the highest mountain Montes OparinisWhere there are deer, wild boars and foxes. During the flight, which lasts for one hour, you can see large birds flying over the surroundings, both aquatic and rocky (gray herons, cormorants, kingfishers).

Bomar City

By boat we went for a trip back in time. Specifically, to the Middle Ages. Bomar Citya municipality composed of 19 districts and 17 districts, is located in the center of the Las Merendades region and within its historic center it stands out. Alcázar Velasco or ConstablesKnown as the “zodiac”. He ordered its construction Pedro Fernandez de Velasco At the end of the fourteenth century.

Declare this fort Origin of cultural interest in 1931It is a symbol of the city and the power that the Velasco family exercised in this region during that period. It consists of two square towers connected to each other by a lower central body. The entire complex is built with thick stone walls. In the central body was the main hall of the castle. The tower on the left, at the top, was Velasco’s residence, while the guards and servants resided in the tower on the right, which was colder and darker. The different floors were linked together by a spiral staircase which can still be accessed today.

In it In the 19th century, the Dukes of Frias gave the use of the castle to the city council of Medina de Pomarwhich later acquired full ownership. Since November 2002 includes Las Merendades MuseumIts balcony offers stunning views.

Right at the entrance to Las Torres there is an apple-shaped sign that does not go unnoticed. Etymologically, Medina de Pomar means “City of Apples”. For this reason, its historic center has a total of 12 signs at strategic points in the shape of this fruit that lead the visitor through its streets, discovering interesting places such as Santa Cruz Parish Churchtransitional to Gothic, because although it dates back to the fourteenth century, its rules are Romanesque.

Inside, a late 15th-century Gothic altarpiece dedicated to The life and work of Saint John the Baptist. It is a real gem even though it is not the original of the church. On either side are the shrines of Salinas and Pedro Ontanon, the ambassador of the Catholic Monarchs.

It is also worth a visit View of Plaza Mayor. And he’s not the only one: soon, the city hall will be inauguratedViewpoint of the Roca Mayor deposit After he was rehabilitated. By the way, here it is Medina lettuce. It has slightly curled leaves, with pronounced veins, bright color, a head-shaped shape, swelling, and a sharp flavour. Thanks to these characteristics, it has been distinguished with Warranty sign of the Junta of Castilla and León.

Frias, the smallest city

The next stop on our Las Merindades tour is Frias, the smallest city in SpainBecause only 240 people live here. The king received this strange title in the 15th century John II, King of Castile Due to its strategic and military importance. Its steep and fortified position, on the Cerro de la Muela, made it for centuries a bastion of natural defense and a key transit and control point over northern Castile. Despite its size, it was the head of the region and the seat of powerful dynasties such as Velasco and later the Lords and Dukes of Frias.

For this reason, it has an impressive medieval heritage and an outstanding natural environment. For example, just before arriving at Frias, it was a surprise Medieval bridge over the Ebro RiverAnd in the middle of it is a fortified tower 145 meters tall. And now in the center, it imposes its castle crowning the rock around which the Frias developed, and which preserves the Torre del Homenaje. In fact, it is imposing and looks like it will explode at any moment.

The city also surprises with twenty of them hanging houses, Which has been preserved as it was built in the twelfth century. It overlooks the strait that borders Cerro de la Muela, and is in excellent condition. None of them fell. In fact, it is still inhabited. They all communicated with each other through an underground passage that the enemies did not know about and was vital to the defense.

Touring in The cobblestone streets of Friasone can discover impressive places like Church of San Vitores, whose Romanesque portico shines today in the Cloisters Museum in New York. After its collapse in 1906, it had to be sold to finance the restoration.

Huge monastery

Una It’s the next stop in this lesser-known area of ​​Burgos Province. Its 1,000 residents are the only ones who seem to know about its great heritage. Nothing suggests what is hidden in San Salvador Monastery From the 11th century once you cross the balcony. For some area residents, it is the third most important monument in the province. Even one of the three most important in Castile and Leon. Without official data, the truth is that the entry into this temple takes place in what was one of the most powerful places in the whole of Castile between the 11th and 13th centuries.

Despite this, Monastery of San Salvador de Ona It is very unknown. At the end of some imposing stairs, in the main square of the city, this Romanesque-style building was erected by Count Don Sancho of Castile and his wife Doña Urraca for their daughter Tigridia. A story told every August in “El Cronicón de Oña”, a historical theatrical performance in which more than 100 neighbors commemorate the founding of the monastery itself and the origins of the Kingdom of Castile.

The old one The Jewish quarterwith her sink, and Secret GardenIt is a unique and wonderful space, and it is another of the city’s charms.

Santa Gadea del Cid

The last stop is Santa Gadea del Cid. Perhaps the name indicates that he was here Rodrigo Diaz de VivarHowever, there is no evidence of a relationship between the two. Legend has it that it was the place where El Cid swore revenge on those who harmed him or even received help from supernatural forces thanks to the magic spells and incantations of its inhabitants.

Walking through the streets of this town of 192 people is like taking a trip into the past of this border area between the kingdoms of Castile and Navarre, which the remains of its walls remind us that it was a vital area of ​​defence. In fact, its castle (11th century) is located on a rocky hill, overlooking the entire surroundings.

Initially, the city was built on the outskirts of its former diocese Hermitage, Lady of Ages. In the second half of the 13th century, during the reign of King Alfonso VIII, its population moved to its current location because the king wanted Santa Gadea del Cid to become a major trading center due to its geographical location, as it linked the territory of Burgos to the coast of Cantabria. That’s why three of them were built Entry doors are a mandatory passage for those who take the commercial routeWell, they had to pay. Currently only two doors remain: the “Above the Villa” door and the “Abajo o de las Eras” door.

For her part, St. Peter’s ChurchLocated in a beautiful arcaded square in the city, it is a fine example of the typical Burgos Gothic style (14th century). It is a historic center declared an Artistic Historic Site with its cobblestone streets and ornate houses with thick stone walls.

In addition, there are multiple roads linking Santa Gadea to neighboring cities Nature lovers They have ideal ways to discover landscapes of great beauty and local flora and fauna amidst agricultural fields, grains and vineyards.