Caleruega, municipality of Spain
Caleruega is a small municipality in the province of Burgos, situated between the Ribiera del Duero and the foothills of the Sierra de la Demanda. The town features narrow streets lined with old stone buildings, a 12th-century parish church, a 10th-century tower, and a Dominican convent built in the 1950s.
Caleruega is first documented in 1062 and served as a fortified settlement during medieval times to protect against attacks. The town gained importance after 1170, when Santo Domingo de Guzmán, founder of the Dominican order, was born here, transforming it into a significant religious center.
The town is deeply connected to Saint Dominic, who was born here in 1170 and remains central to its identity today. Religious life shapes the rhythm of daily events, from church services to celebrations honoring local saints and the processions that bring the community together.
The town is easy to explore on foot since streets are narrow and manageable, allowing for a relaxed stroll through the settlement. Most sites lie close together, and the central square with its statue serves as a good starting point for visitors who wish to wander at a leisurely pace.
A local wedding custom called Cantanovias brings neighbors together to sing songs in front of the bride's house the evening before the ceremony, offering wine and nuts as tokens of gratitude. This tradition reveals how the community celebrates important life events and expresses support for the couple.
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