What to see and do in Carrión de los Condes

Carrión de los Condes is a medieval village in the north of the Tierra de Campos region, in the province of Palencia, right on the French Way. Its Romanesque heritage includes the church of Santiago, with its famous 12th-century Pantocrátor, the church of Santa María del Camino, and the monastery of San Zoilo, with a Renaissance cloister by Juan de Badajoz. It is also home to the convent of Santa Clara, with a pilgrim albergue.

Known for being the birthplace of famous writers, such as Marqués de Santillana, this place is known for its outstanding history within the pilgrimages, it offers nine churches, five convents and four hospitals to attend the pilgrims in the best way.

The stop in Carrión de los Condes is one of the best for pilgrims with a sweet tooth, as here they can taste the delicacies made by the nuns of Santa Clara and other monasteries, where they can buy a variety of products.

Would you like to walk this part of the Camino with your accommodation booked for every stage? These organised trips pass through Carrión de los Condes: French Way from Roncesvalles to Santiago de Compostela and French Way from Burgos to León.

Church of Santiago

Famous for its splendid Pantocrator. This building is located in the northeast corner of the main square, in the street that crosses the city following the Camino de Santiago, was built in the mid-twelfth century and has undergone some variations over the centuries, resulting in a mixture of architectural styles throughout the church. The western façade was built around 1160-1170 and is one of the clearest examples of Romanesque art in Spain.

Church of Santa María del Camino

It is the oldest temple in Carrión de los Condes, built in the 12th century in Romanesque style and dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Cuidador del Camino. This building is located on the east-west axis, with the presbytery and altar on the east side, facing Jerusalem and the rising of the sun, the beginning of the new day. The portal above the main entrance is decorated with sculptures depicting motifs related to the Nativity of Jesus Christ and the Adoration of the Magi. The interior of the church is decorated in Romanesque style, except for the nave, which was rebuilt in the 17th century in the Baroque style. The Gothic statue of Our Lady of Victory in the side aisle dates back to the 14th century.

Convent of Santa Clara

It was founded in 1231 by two direct disciples of Saint Clare and inaugurated in 1260. oldest Poor Clare monasteries in Spain. Inside you can see a church and a museum that exhibits various sculptures and ornaments, as well as a Pietà by Gregorio Fernandez. It has a religious hostel exclusively for pilgrims with credentials. The sisters elaborate different varieties of sweets: Virutas de San José, Cuellos de puff pastry of San Blas, Pastas de limón and Tortas de chicharrones or Tortas de Santa Clara.

Monastery of San Zoilo

On the outskirts of the city in the locality of Carrión de los Condes , near the medieval bridge, is located the monastery of San Zoilo, a ancient pilgrims' refuge begun in the 10th century. Of this building we must highlight its Renaissance cloister, an authentic ornamental and technical marvel that is the work of Juan de Badajoz.

Patron saint festivities

If you visit Carrión de los Condes in the second half of August you will be able to appreciate the patron saint celebration of San Zoilo, one of the biggest festivals in the city, you will see competitions, parades and an original sacred procession in which people dance in the open air. www.carriondeloscondes.org