Frías, Medieval hilltop municipality in Province of Burgos, Spain.
Frías is a municipality perched on a hilltop in the Province of Burgos with a castle sitting atop a rocky summit overlooking the Ebro River. The town features medieval streets winding through its structure, surrounded by mountain terrain.
King Alfonso VIII ordered construction of a castle in 1201, reusing materials from an earlier fortress to strengthen regional defenses. The settlement gained city status in 1435 and became a significant location for the area's protection.
The bridge at the entrance with its nine arches dates back to medieval times and once served as a vital link between inland territories and coastal trade routes. It remains central to the town's character and shows how important this location was for commerce and travel.
The entire area including the castle, churches, and medieval streets can be explored on foot in roughly three hours. The location sits on a hillside, so visitors should expect uphill walking.
The settlement holds the distinction of being the smallest town with city status in Spain. This remarkable recognition came in 1435 and defines its identity to this day.
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