An approximately five-kilometre stretch of the Canal de Castilla runs through the municipality of Herrera de Pisuerga. At the same time, the 131-kilometre long-distance walking trail GR 73, the Calzada de los Blendios, runs mostly along the ancient Roman road between Pisoraca (Herrera de Pisuerga) and Portus Blendius (Suances). Two different scales therefore meet here: a canal stretch within the municipality and a long-distance route with a broader historical connection. There is also a protected historic townscape featuring architectural and artistic history from several centuries.
The canal’s history in the municipality
The canal stretch near Herrera includes locks 4, 5, 6 and 7. The towpaths along the Canal de Castilla are also still visible. In the past, draft animals pulled the barges along these paths. The locks and towpaths thus illustrate different aspects of the canal: its structure and the former method of moving the barges.
The Centro de Interpretación del Canal de Castilla explores the canal’s history, sections and functions, as well as the flora and fauna in its surroundings. The exhibition features photographs, maps and models of the entire canal route, with a particular focus on models of the locks. This brings both the canal’s overall course and individual technical features into view. If you would like to learn more about water engineering, the centre covers natural topics related to the canal as well as its locks.
Architectural history with different dates
The historic townscape of Herrera de Pisuerga is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Among the buildings that can be dated is the Puerta Nueva, built in 1553 by stonemason Hernando de Valdelastras. The parish church of Santa Ana dates back to the early 15th century. Its vaults were completed in 1425, and the tower was added in 1659 as the final building element. These dates therefore refer to different construction phases of the church and to a separate building in the town.
The murals in the Ermita in Herrera de Pisuerga offer another perspective on local art history. Created between 1902 and 1904, they are painted in oil on stucco and form an unusual mural ensemble. Together, the church, Puerta Nueva and the paintings provide different historical reference points, rather than depicting just one period in the town’s history.
Birdlife and riverbanks
There is a bird zoo in the park in Herrera de Pisuerga, with a pond for various waterbird species. The aviaries are home to numerous native and exotic birds, and information panels accompany the exhibits. This offers a distinctive nature-focused experience alongside the cultural and canal history.
The Casa del Cangrejo de RĂo is a multidisciplinary centre dedicated to interpreting and protecting the native white-clawed crayfish, the cangrejo de patas blancas. The centre also includes the Aula del RĂo. There, on the banks of the Burejo, visitors can take part in an activity about riverbank life, aquatic ecosystems and sustainable fishing. If you plan to include this programme, check the current arrangements in advance.
Reservations and annual events
Advance reservations are always required for trips on the Marqués de la Ensenada boat; you must enquire about sailing times. Check both details before making plans so you can schedule the trip within a confirmed time slot. The crayfish festival is celebrated on the first Sunday in August. The programme includes a professional crayfish cooking competition, as well as an official meal and a communal meal. Check the programme for the relevant year if you plan to time your trip around the festival.
The different areas of interest are easy to distinguish: Puerta Nueva, Santa Ana and the murals represent architectural and art history; the locks, towpaths and canal centre lead into the history of water engineering and transport. The bird zoo and Aula del RĂo offer a different focus on birds and riverbanks. The GR 73, in turn, connects the name Herrera with a longer historical route.
Discover more destinations: Boadilla del Camino, Berzosilla, San Cebrián De Mudá, Moratinos, Santa Olaja de la Vega, Barrios de la Vega, Pino del RĂo, Villada.
For the regional travel overview: Palencia.
