Via de la Plata - Benavente
- Route Data
- Ascent slope
- 744 m.
- Previous
- Following
The importance of the medieval city stemmed from its strategic location at a crossroads, the power and influence of the Counts of Benavente and the fact that it nestles between the valleys of the rivers Tear, Órbigo and Esla. Its role as a communication hub between Castile, León, Asturias and Galicia has made Benavente a major centre for industry and services.
Historically speaking, it shares close ties with the monarchs of León, particularly Ferdinand II, who granted the town a series of privileges that later monarchs would consolidate. Only a few monuments dating back to these times are still standing today, but they are proof of the city’s historic relevance, particularly from the 15th century onwards when the earldom passed into the hands of the Pimentel family.
What to see?
Church of San Juan del MercadoMore informationStarted in ashlar stone in 1182, it was completed many years later, using brick as a constructive element. It has a Romanesque style, the church floor has three naves with an unaccused transept and three...
Church of Santa María del AzogueMore informationThe church displays the various artistic styles through which it has passed since its construction began in the 12th century. The Latin cross plan and the head respond to the Romanesque style, with five...
Festivity of the VeguillaMore informationFestivities held in honour of the Virgin of La Vega, Benavente’s patron saint. Originally they consisted of a procession to the Chapel dedicated to the Virgin in Cimanes, to give thanks for the victory...
- Classification of Festivities
- Castilla y León Tourist Interest
- Date
- Lunes de Pascua
- Town
- Benavente
The Festival of the Tied BullMore informationIs one of the great attractions of the village of Benavente, in the province of Zamora. The event, which is more than 300 years old, takes place during the celebrations of Corpus Christi, but has its prelude...
- Classification of Festivities
- Castilla y León Tourist Interest
- Date
- 1 dia antes del Corpus Christi
- Town
- Benavente
Museum of the Holy Week of BenaventeMore informationLocated in the Hermitage of la Soledad, this building of the XVI century has hosted the brotherhoods of Santo Entierro and Santa Vera Cruz until its constitution as museum. It houses the collection of...
Soledad González Cultural CenterMore informationThis building is a representative palace of the bourgeoisie of the nine hundred, ordered to be built by the landowner and senator Felipe González in 1904. The property is divided into three floors plus...
Hospital of the PiedadMore informationThe fifth Count of Benavente and his wife had it built in the 16th century wanting to convert it into a lodging place for Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.The facade is a beautiful example of the first...
Tower of the Caracol de BenaventeMore informationThe tower is the only thing left of what was once one of the most sumptuous castles in Spain, according to writers and travelers. It was built in the 16th century by order of the 5th Count of Benavente,...
