Simancas was the scene of one of the main battles in the Christian Reconquest of Spain, but it was the Catholic Monarchs, and especially Charles I of Spain, who put this town on the map by creating the General Archive where many papers related to the Spanish monarchy from 1475 to 1834 are kept. You should also visit its beautiful old quarter and stroll along the river Pisuerga.
- History of Simancas, one battle and seven maidens
- Things to see in Simancas, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the region
- Where to eat the famous suckling lamb dish and pork rind bun in Simancas
- Things to see nearby, a megalithic tomb
History of Simancas, one battle and seven maidens
Its privileged location, on a hill between the plains of the rivers Pisuerga and Duero, has enabled it to be a settlement since ancient times. For the Romans it was already a crossroads, but Simancas grew during the struggle between Muslims and Christians during the Reconquest. In fact, it was the protagonist of one of the most famous battles, the Battle of Simancas, in 939, between Caliph Abd al-Rahman III and the forces of Ramiro II of León. The Christian victory finally consolidated the control of the northern part of the river Duero and allowed them to advance.
In the 15th century, the Admirals of Castile built a castle in the town, on top of an earlier fortification, but the Catholic Monarchs seized it and passed it on to the Crown. Their son Charles I of Spain and later Philip II turned it into the famous General Archive of Simancas, which holds documentation from the governing bodies of the Spanish monarchy from 1475 to 1834.
One of the most famous legends relates to the seven maidens of Simancas which the Kingdom of León had to hand over to the Al-Andalus caliph. To avoid their departure, they cut off their hands to provoke his rejection. The phrase that would later give its name to the town was as follows: “Si mancas me las dais, mancas no las quiero” (“If maimed you give them to me, maimed I want them not”).
In August, a festival is held to commemorate this event with the traditional ‘Request of the Seven Maidens’.
Things to see in Simancas, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the region
Simancas Castle and the General Archive
It is the main monument in the town, especially because of the documents kept in the General Archive. The castle was built in the 15th century by the Admiral of Castile, Alonso Enríquez, but the Catholic Monarchs took it for the Crown and it was with Charles I of Spain that it became an archive, which involved an architectural transformation that can still be seen.
The visit is free and the views from the castle are breathtaking. It often organises exhibitions and you can visit both the parade ground and some of the rooms of what is considered to be one of the major archives in the world.
Medieval Bridge in Simancas
It is one of the oldest constructions in Simancas since it is on the old Roman road between Augusta Emerita and Caesaraugusta.
Today, this 13th-century bridge is famous for its 17 arches that join the two banks of the Pisuerga, connecting its riverbank on land, at the last crossing before the river flows into the Duero. It is a picture-perfect place.
The Medieval Bridge is also part of the Way of Saint James when going through Valladolid.
Old quarter
The old quarter of Simancas was declared a Historic-Artistic Site due to the beauty of its mansions and its architectural structure. The highlight is the Plaza Mayor, a typical Castilian square where the Town Hall is located. It is flanked by two very beautiful buildings where the coats of arms of their former owners stand out.
It is a very popular meeting point in Simancas since it has many outdoor terraces.
Another place you should not miss is the Church of the Saviour, a late Gothic-style temple built in the 16th century. The curious thing is that it preserves the Romanesque tower of the original building that was erected in the 12th century. Remember to check out the main altarpiece and some of its reliefs.
Strolling along the river Pisuerga
Before going down to the riverside path, you can see the entire Ribera from a viewpoint near the Town Hall. Put on some comfortable shoes or take a bicycle and explore the easy path along the banks of the river Pisuerga.
Besides crossing the Medieval Bridge, you can also enjoy the nature that is a haven of peace on sunny days.
Where to eat the famous suckling lamb dish and pork rind bun in Simancas
When visiting the town, you must try some of its local stews or suckling lamb, where meat is usually the star. One of the most traditional restaurants for this is Las Tercias, with a very careful Castilian cuisine in an ideal atmosphere. You can also go to Los Infantes de Simancas, which has grilled food and even very tasty rice dishes, or Casa del Arte, where stews and pickled dishes are the speciality.
If you want to eat outside, the cuisine at La Excusa provides more modern touches and incredible views.
You must stop at Panadería Simancas to buy the pork rind bun and other typical pastries so that you can leave with a good taste in your mouth.
Things to see nearby, a megalithic tomb
The historic towns you can visit near Simancas include Tordesillas with its famous treaty, Rueda with its wines, and Fuensaldaña with its legendary castle. Nevertheless, one of the most curious trips is to the Megalithic tomb of Los Zumacales, a dolmen five meters in diameter that is located two kilometres away and can be reached on foot from Simancas.
You can also explore the Torozos Moors and its viewpoints overlooking the wide valleys of the rivers Pisuerga and the Duero, and where, on the clearest days, you can even see the Sierra de Segovia mountain range.
