Plaza Vieja tells the story of several periods of construction: its origins date back to the 10th and 11th centuries, while large parts of the ensemble as it stands today date from the 16th to the 18th centuries. If you are looking for a hotel in Saldaña, you can plan your stay around your own interests: historic architecture, fortress remains, the Carrión and regional food offer different points of focus. This lets you decide before your trip which aspects of the town you want to explore most.

Plaza Vieja and Saldaña’s architectural history

Plaza Vieja is completely lined with arcades and is distinguished by its unified design. The buildings have two storeys. On the lower storey, galleries open out, their wooden supports resting on stone bases. The upper storeys contain enclosed spaces made of rammed earth and adobe, or of exposed brickwork with a timber framework. The contrast between the open galleries below and the enclosed upper storeys defines the layout of the square. Plaza Vieja and its surroundings are protected as a cultural heritage site (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the category of “Historic Ensemble” under Decree 143/1996 of 30 May.

The ruins of the Castillo de los Condes de Saldaña stand on a hill immediately adjacent to the town centre. They are the scant remains of a former fortress that dominated and defended the settlement. The surviving structure has inner and outer faces made of limestone ashlars, with a rubble-stone core bonded with lime-and-sand mortar. While the focus at the plaza is on the design of an ensemble, the Castillo brings together surviving architecture and its former defensive function.

Church, museum and Renaissance building

The Iglesia de San Pedro now houses the Museo Monográfico de la Villa Romana de La Olmeda. This adds a museum use in a church to Saldaña’s architectural landmarks in the square and on the castle hill. If you plan to visit the museum, check visiting arrangements in advance.

The Centro Javier Cortes – La Casona offers a different architectural focus. This Renaissance building has an almost square floor plan. Its living spaces are arranged around a large, also square, arcaded courtyard. Check current visiting arrangements here as well. La Casona and the Iglesia de San Pedro represent different building types and uses; together, they broaden the picture beyond the medieval fortress and the square.

Puente Viejo and the Carrión

Construction of the Puente Viejo began anew in 1588, and it has 22 round arches. For centuries, it served as the town’s main link with the south. Its year of construction, row of arches and historic role as a crossing each offer a distinct starting point for a tour through Saldaña’s history.

Parque Javier Cortes offers a different local perspective. It lies on the right bank of the Carrión, covers more than 30,000 square metres and stretches between two bridges within the town. If you want to include the river and a larger green space alongside architectural landmarks, you will find a clear contrast here with the historic architectural ensembles. Hiking routes are also signposted in Saldaña, and a route brochure is available to download. Check the route details before setting out.

Regional food and event dates

Every October, Saldaña holds the Feria de la Alubia at the same time as the festival of Santa Úrsula. The fair showcases food products from the comarca. The main highlight is the white kidney bean from the Vega de Saldaña, singled out as the region’s most valuable culinary product. If the fair is important to your travel plans, check the current date and programme in advance.

The Mercado Romano has a different focus: it promotes Saldaña and the comarca through their historical and archaeological heritage, while showcasing the area’s craft tradition. It takes place on the third weekend of July. Check the current programme when planning your visit. The two events have different emphases: the Feria highlights food products from the comarca, while the Mercado Romano brings together history, archaeology and crafts.

Discover more destinations: Velilla Del Río Carrión, Cervera De Pisuerga, Villalcázar De La Sirga, Pino del Río, Quintanilla De Onsoña, Ampudia, Frómista, Calzada de los Molinos.

For the wider travel overview: Palencia.