Simancas, municipality of Spain
Simancas is a small town in Valladolid Province built on a gentle hill overlooking river valleys. Narrow winding streets pass through stone and brick buildings from different eras, anchored by the 15th-century castle that now houses the General Archive and the Church of El Salvador with its Gothic architecture and Renaissance touches.
Simancas traces its origins to Roman times as the settlement Septimancas. In the 15th century a nobleman built a castle, which King Carlos I converted in 1540 into an archive for important Castilian documents, transforming the town into a significant historical center.
The name Simancas comes from the Roman settlement Septimancas, connecting the town to its ancient past. Local traditions come alive during festivals like the Jura of the Doncellas in late May, where young women make promises on village steps while residents celebrate with food and music together.
The castle offers guided tours Monday through Friday mornings, while the archive is open daily from 10 in the morning until 9 at night. The town sits about 12 kilometers from Valladolid and is easily reached by car or bus, making it suitable for a day trip.
A medieval stone bridge with 17 arches spans the Pisuerga river and forms part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. It is one of the last river crossings before the waters join the Duero, impressing visitors with its solid, timeless construction.
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