Holidays to Zamora

Only 50 km from the Portuguese border, Zamora, originally a Roman settlement, is located on a stretch of the Roman Road, Via de la Plata (Silver Road) between Merida in the province of Extremadura and Astorga which is also in Castile and Leon. The city has a 15th century medieval castle, originally of Arab origin, which was partially restored in the 20th century. Zamora was defended by a circle of three separate walls, with the inner wall still being largely intact. Between the 8th and 10th centuries control over the city shifted between christians and muslims and the influences are easy to see throughout the town.

The historic, medieval centre contains 24 Romanesque style churches and Romanesque cathedral built between the 12th and 13th centuries, the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in all of Europe.

The time to visit (although the 67,000 population swells to 300,000) is during Easter Holy Week.. The ceremonies and processions here are very special and world renowned.

There is a very good and imposing Parador in the centre of the town which was formerly the 15th century Palace of the Counts of Alba de Aliste. From the terrace there are views over the large swimming pool and countryside beyond and to the oldest of the Romanesque churches, San Cypriano.