Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Alar del Rey
Alar del Rey is a Castilian town in the province of Palencia located on the banks of the Pisuerga River. It is made up of the municipalities of Nogales de Pisuerga, Barrio de San Vicente, and San Quirce de Riopisuerga.
The town was founded in 1657 when the Canal of Castile was built, which fuelled its growth along with the inauguration of the Alar del Rey to Reinosa section of the Isabel II railroad in 1857, also known as the railroad from Alar del Rey to Santander.
The town started as the construction site of the northern branch of the Canal of Castile, making it one of the most important elements of the town's infrastructure built in the eighteenth century, especially the dock and warehouses.
Its cultural heritage includes the 19th century parish church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, which was built in the neo-Romanesque style and has a slender bell tower that rests on three arches with historiated capitals. These arches lead to the main gate and the 19th century Puente de las Monjas (Nuns' Bridge) built in the Classicist style with eight low arches and sandstone masonry.
We recommend strolling along the banks of the canal, surrounded by lush aquatic vegetation, shrubs and willows, elms, and poplars.
The Canal of Castile and the Romanesque Nature Path of Palencia begin in the town of Alar del Rey. In addition, several Romanesque routes pass through this area like the Castilian Lebaniego Route and the Northern St. James' Way: Besaya Route.
The economy in this area relies on agriculture, livestock, industry, and rising tourism.
Interestingly, the patron saint of the municipality is Saint Louis King of France. He was chosen by the engineers in charge of the construction of the canal, who were French and settled in the area with their families.
The town holds various celebrations including that of its patron saint at the end of August, which is one of the most popular. Also the festivities of Our Lady of Carmen on July 16, where the Virgin is taken out in procession throughout the town's streets. On May 15, the town celebrates St. Isidro with a procession through the fields, and St. Quirico and St. Julita at the end of June, including a pilgrimage to the Holy Christ chapel at the top of the hill.
Also, the Canoe Festival is held on August 15, which has become a famous competition. It includes a descent called the International Descent of the Pisuerga River.