Ciudad Rodrigo, Administrative division in western Salamanca province, Spain.
Ciudad Rodrigo is a walled settlement on the raised right bank of the Agueda River in western Salamanca province, enclosed by medieval fortifications. Seven gates break through the defensive ring that runs more than two kilometers around the old center.
The settlement grew from Celtic Mirobriga through Roman Augustobriga until Count Rodrigo González founded the present town in 1150 under Ferdinand II of León. Henry II of Castile had the castle built in the 14th century, later serving in military conflicts with Portugal.
Inside the walls, the late medieval cathedral of Santa María shows a west portal carved with hundreds of stone figures from the 13th century. The large choir displays wooden stalls carved with scenes from biblical stories and regional life.
The walls offer a walk with views over the river and surrounding countryside, accessible by stairs at several gates. Inside the fortifications, narrow cobbled lanes between stone buildings lead to the central square.
The 14th-century castle now houses a Parador hotel, allowing overnight stays within the historic fortress walls. The defensive tower and parts of the battlements remain visible, framing the hotel grounds.
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