Information about Mansilla de las Mulas
Located in the eastern part of the province of León, in the region of Esla-Campos, very close to the capital, is Mansilla de Las Mulas with its more than 1700 inhabitants. This interesting village had a glorious past that is exhibited in each of its corners, which have witnessed the passage of pilgrims on their way to Santiago since the Middle Ages.
This region has well preserved medieval urban structure and an important part of the walled enclosure that you will love to appreciate. If you are a pilgrim following the Aragonese Way you will be able to enter through one of the four gates of the old wall, that is to say, through the gates of the castle that still preserve their side walls.
Since its time of splendour in the Middle Ages, Mansilla de Las Mulas has been famous for welcoming pilgrims with great hospitality, which is why here you will see seven churches, a pilgrims’ house, three hospitals and two monasteries.
What to see and do in Mansilla de las Mulas
Architecture of Mansilla
The typical architecture of Mansilla can be summarized in three types of architectural landmarks. The arcades that can be seen in the three squares of the town: the Plaza del Grano, in the Plaza del Pozo and in the Plaza de la Leña. We can also see two mills, El Molino de los Curas and El Redondal. This last one has been restored in order to conserve the most characteristic elements of the typical architecture of Mansilla. We also find two dovecotes, the Dovecote of the Molino de los Curas, located inside the mill itself and the Dovecote of Olleros Street located inside the walled enclosure of the town.
The wall of Mansilla
The wall of Mansilla de las Mulas is considered the best medieval fortification work in the province of León. This construction dates back to the 12th century, when Fernando II populated this place. The wall had turrets that communicated with an inner wall. It is remarkable for its height, some sections are more than 14 meters high and up to three meters thick, and it is crowned with battlements without arrow slits. There were four gates, of which the arch of Santa Maria or Conception is still preserved.
Conception Gate
Also known as the gate of Santa Maria, it is the best preserved gate of the wall. It is the entrance to the village of the Roman road and is built in ashlar, with a pointed arch, which remains almost complete.
Parish Church of Santa Maria
The parish church of Santa María was the first temple that existed in Mansilla until 1220, when there were five other churches that disappeared in later centuries. The current building is from the 18th century, built on top of the previous one. From the same period is the altarpiece of its main altar, in baroque style.
Convent of San Agustin
The Convent of San Agustín has an impressive history as a cultural centre of the first order in the Middle Ages. There were chairs of Grammar and Latin, complemented by an archive and library of importance, all of which was lost in 1808 by the French. Nowadays it houses an ethnographic museum with more than 3,000 pieces.
Sanctuary of the Virgen de Gracia
The Ermita de la Virgen de Gracia was since time immemorial where the village of Mansilla de las Mulas celebrated its devotion to the Virgen de Gracia, patron saint of Mansilla. It was built in 1220 and during the 15th century it was accompanied by the Hospital of San Lázaro that welcomed pilgrims.
Bridge over the river Esla
It is formed by eight barrel vaults and has a length of 141 meters. It is a medieval work dating from the 12th century and was rebuilt in 1573. It presents several factories corresponding to eight centuries of constructions and repairs. It is an obligatory stop for pilgrims leaving Mansilla on their way to León.
Patron saint festivities
To choose the best date to visit this town you should know that the 25th of July is the feast of St. James. During this week you will be able to enjoy Medieval Days, market, theatre shows and jousting between knights. Also on the last Sunday of August the Tomato Fair is celebrated, during this fair there is a market, competitions and a tomato war or tomato war.
