Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Aranda de Duero
The city of Aranda de Duero, renowned for its wines, is situated at the confluence of the rivers Duero, Arandilla and Bañuelos. This riverside town in the south of Burgos is renowned for its exceptional history, its remarkable monuments and its dynamic natural and cultural heritage.
The history of this ancient city spans thousands of years, with populations ranging from the Lower Palaeolithic to pre-Roman civilisations that gave the territory the name of Aranda, which means "large plain". Although it is commonly believed that Aranda de Duero was established in 861 by Ordoño I, there is no definitive evidence to support this. However, the settlement was destroyed by the Arabs before the end of the century. The city was subsequently rebuilt due to its high strategic value, which was further enhanced by the rivers that served as a communications channel and its convenient location. In the 13th century, the city was granted royal status by Sancho IV and Pedro I.
It is worth noting that the Council of Aranda in 1473, held in the Church of San Juan, represents a significant milestone in the city's history. The council established canons that would facilitate a transition from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age, with reforms in ecclesiastical, social, political and literary life. In particular, the council's actions tilted the balance in favour of Princess Isabella as successor to Juana "la Beltraneja". Another noteworthy historical event is the creation of the first urban map of Spain in 1503. This map was instrumental in the development of the colonies in the Americas.
The city of Aranda is a testament to the prosperity and the passage of time, as evidenced by its impressive monuments. One of the region's most notable historical sites is the impressive collection of religious architecture in Aranda, including the 15th-16th century church of Santa María la Real. The property has been designated an Asset of Cultural Interest and comprises a Latin cross floor plan with a total of four naves. This imposing church of considerable dimensions boasts a Romanesque bell tower with three sections and large windows on the sides. The most notable feature of this building is its beautiful flamboyant Gothic façade, which was constructed between 1505 and 1515. It features a wealth of sculptures and ornamental pieces depicting scenes of the Virgin and the Birth of Jesus. The interior also features slender, fasciculated pillars, elegant, ribbed vaults, and a magnificent main altarpiece from the early 17th century. Additionally, it boasts an ancient pulpit and a spiral staircase leading up to the choir.
Another noteworthy religious construction in Aranda de Duero is the 14th-15th century Church of San Juan, the site of the Council of Aranda. This historic site was designated a national monument in 1982 for its historical and artistic value. The Church of Santa María la Real is notable for its beautiful façade, featuring nine archivolts and a central figure of San Juan. The chapel of the Calderonas features a distinguished Renaissance altarpiece, which completes the main altar. Currently, the church is not operational and has been converted into the Museo Sacro, which houses a collection of unique religious artefacts. The town also boasts the Church of San Nicolás de Bari, a 13th-century edifice that has been designated an Asset of Cultural Interest.
The town's own culture is represented by the underground wine cellars, which are the most representative Asset of Cultural Interest of Aranda de Duero. The network comprises tunnels and cellars dating from the 14th to 18th centuries, extending for seven kilometres and reaching a depth of up to twelve metres underground. The combination of this and the air conduction by zarceras ensures that the wines of these lands are preserved in perfect condition. Those with an interest in wine tourism will be pleased to know that they can visit some of these historic wineries.
The city also boasts several other significant heritage assets, including the Rollo Jurisdiccional de la Plaza Mayor, the collection of sargas that recount the life of San Pedro Regalado, the Palacio de los Berdugo, the Casa de los Fantasmas, the Jardines de Don Diego and the bridges that span the Duero. Furthermore, the town boasts a rich cultural offering, including the Train Museum, the Museum of the House of Balls, the Museum of Ceramics, and the Museum of Traditional Games.
Aranda de Duero is also the venue for the Bajada del Ángel (Descent of the Angel), which is the culmination of a festival that has been declared of National Tourist Interest. The celebration has been held every Easter Sunday since the 15th century. It is held with a child dressed as an angel being hung by wires and removing the veil of the Virgen de las Candelas held in the air. Furthermore, Aranda celebrates the Procession of the Cross of May between 6 and 8 May, its patron saint's fiestas during the second week of September, and numerous other celebrations that contribute to the town's vibrant and positive atmosphere.