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Section 14 Section 16

Section 15 - Castile and León

Tordesillas - Toro - 50Km

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After passing the San José reservoir, we continue to follow the Douro River closely, approaching the Nature Reserve of the Castronuño-Vega del Duero Riverbanks. We recommend packing your binoculars and visiting this nature reserve, a major nesting and hibernating area for numerous species of water birds.

Along the Douro riverbanks, you’ll be surrounded by a riverbank forest comprising mainly black poplars, willows, white poplars, ash trees and oneseed hawthorn bushes.

In Villafranca del Duero, you’ll have the unique opportunity to enjoy two designations of origin, Toro and Rueda. At this point, you’ll leave the Rueda Wine Route to enter the Toro Wine Route under the watchful eye of the Douro River.

Save your strength for the final uphill section on the way to Toro, as it has a steep incline. The views of the impressive landscape of Vega del Río Duero, which you’ll be able to admire from the ‘Paseo del Espolón’ viewpoint, are well worth it.

Toro offers excellent tourism options and a high level of services. It is a city of great historical value, raised to defend the ford along the river, and a large bridge of Roman origin runs across it.

The most important building is its Collegiate Church. Constructed during the 11th and 13th centuries, it is one of the most emblematic and well-known monuments of the Romanesque world, with a beautiful ribbed dome over the cross and a Gothic portico covered in polychrome sculptures at the foot.

Be sure to combine sightseeing with a wine tasting of the Toro designation of origin at one of its emblematic wineries. Don’t forget to sample the tapas and delicious meats of the area, the cheese from the designation of origin and the sweets made by the nuns. It is with good reason that Toro is located on a certified Wine Route.

 

Points of Interest

Heritage: 7

  • These are the houses which saw the negotiations which culminated in the signing of the Treaty of Tordesillas by Spain and Portugal in 1494. Two houses were joined together and prepared as the Municipal Arts Centre as part of the celebrations of the V Centenary of the signing of the Treaty.

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  • It holds paintings, images, furniture, documents, and other objects from different times; it is especially noted for a 15th-century portable altarpiece attributed to Nicolás Francés.

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  • The construction of the Main Bridge of Toro, which is also known as the 'Stone Bridge', began in about the year 1194 and has been dated as being from 1222. It consists of 22 arches, most of which are pointed and supported by prismatic pillars with cutwaters of a triangular ground plan of rough ashlars with sections of masonry joined with mortar, and the odd one of regular ashlar work.

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  • Toro looks onto the plain between the Tierra del Vino, Tierra del Pan, and La Guareña. Situated on a natural vantage point, it was always a strategic location and defended the line of the Duero between Christians and Moslems. High walls of lime and pebbles surround the town with its splendid old quarter, and further walls cover the first ones to make room for new people who also needed protection. It was a royal town with sometimes prolonged visits from the Court and witnessed the war between Isabel of Castilla and Juana La Beltraneja. It was the capital of its province until 1833 and its period of magnificence is still reflected in its streets, some forty churches, San Salvador,… monasteries, the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor, palaces, hospitals, and noble houses such as the Palacio de los Condes de Fuentesaúco.

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  • An 18th-century tower; according to legend mortar prepared with wine was used in its construction.

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  • The construction of the Collegiate Church of Santa María La Mayor, in Romanesque-Gothic style, was initiated in 1160 during the reign of Alfonso VII. It has three naves and a transept crowned by a dome. The Doorway of La Majestad was worked and polychromed in the last quarter of the 13th century with its initial approach still Romanesque. It is one of the most important examples of the Gothic period in Castilla y León and one of the few porticoes to retain their original polychrome.

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Nature: 2

  • The Riberas de Castronuño appear as a natural space in the western-central part of the province of Valladolid. Their territory includes the section of the River Duero between the towns of Tordesillas and Castronuño. Near the latter town we also come to the San José Reservoir.

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  • This diverse landscape is crossed from east to west by the River Duero and is established on a terrace with views of La Vega; this land is rich in tree species and vineyards. Originally a crossroads in the Middle Ages, it was during this period that the bridge and the walled enclosure were built; the parishes are located inside it on the periphery. The Churches can be found on the main axes. In the centre of the town stands the plaza which was used for public spectacles attended by the king. The fine bridge over the River Duero has ten lancet arches with a battlemented tower in its centre.

Gastronomy and wine: 2

  • La Ruta del Vino de Toro se asienta en una zona repleta de historia, patrimonio, cultura y gastronomía, con una enorme tradición vinícola de calidad. Los orígenes de estos vinos de la comarca zamorana son anteriores a los asentamos de los...

  • A destination with a rich history and heritage and a winemaking legacy of more than 10 centuries. On the way, you can enjoy a perfect combination of high-quality dining, scenery and art. Do not forget to visit its ancient Mudejar, Gothic and Baroque temples, convents and monasteries, like the monastery of Santa Clara in Tordesillas, declared a National Heritage Site.

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Comments: Section 15

Section 15

Tordesillas - Toro - 50Km: 50

  • Elevation
  • Heritage
  • Nature
  • Gastronomy and wine