VP23 - Granja de Moreruela - Benavente - 25,5 km
Itinerary
You will leave Granja de Moreruela and continue parallel to the N-630 towards Benavente, on a path that goes straight on for 8 km, until you get to Santovenia del Esla.
Keep going on to Villaveza del Agua, now on the right side of the road, for 6 km. Then, you will pass by Barcial del Barco (3 km ahead). Later on, turn left following an old railroad and cross the bridge over the river Esla.
On a near path, you will continue towards Benavente, where you will enter via a medieval bridge.
In this last stage, it is recommendable for cyclists to continue on the road.
Benavente
Altitude: 744 m
This town had great importance in the Middle Ages as it was a crossroads, and also because of the Counts of Benavente and being located between the Valleys of the rivers Tera, Órbigo and Esla.
Being a communication link between Castilla y León, Asturias and Galicia, has turned Benavente into a relevant industrial and service city. Historically, we need to highlight the Kings of León, especially Fernando II.
What can you visit?
Santa María de Azogue Church. It is an interesting Romanesque temple with three naves and a calvary, and a splendid tower built in the 12th and 16th centuries.
San Juan del Mercado. It used to belong to San Juan de Jerusalén Convent of the Templar Order. It has some Romanesque remains and an altarpiece from the 16th Century.
Piedad Hospital. It has a beautiful Renaissance front façade and it used to be a working hospital until the 18th Century.
Benavente Castle. It was one of the most beautiful fortresses built in Spain and its “Torre del Caracol” is still preserved. Nowadays, this building is working as a Parador.
It is also recommendable to take a walk around Mota and Soledad González Lookout, where you can contemplate the Valley of the river Órbigo and Benavente fields.
External info sources about this route and recommended websites:
Turismo Castilla y León
Amigos del Camino de Santiago de Sevilla
Asociación de Amigos de los Caminos de Santiago de Guipúzcoa
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