The Duero River becomes playful when it enters the province of Zamora and begins to make large meanders. Trace up to four before reaching the capital. The city is located north of a revolt and displays a prodigious ancient core that would earn it greater fame.
Among the different reasons to visit the city of Zamora, one of the most notable is the so-called Romanesque Mile. It is a tourist attraction, but it must be recognized that it is well sought after. In just 1,600 meters of distance there are up to eight Romanesque churches of great value. The itinerary usually begins in Santiago del Burgo and moves westwards along San Vicente Mártir, passing through San Juan de Puertanueva, Santa María la Nueva, San Cipriano, La Magdalena, San Pedro and San Ildefonso and ending at the majestic cathedral, where in addition to the architectural structure, the treasure is displayed with a collection of enormous tapestries of great value.
All these temples are located within the enclosure of the old wall built in the 11th century to protect the city from invasions. Churches have very different aspects. San Andrés was heavily remodeled starting in the 16th century, and its tower was dismantled. Quite the opposite of San Vicente Mártir, which shows a strong bell tower six stories high. Saint Mary Magdalene usually attracts attention due to the rich carving of the entrance portico. It is also worth looking at the monsters that settle under the cover, although they do not actually have the function of gargoyles, since they do not drain rain.
Santa María la Nueva was destroyed in the mid-12th century due to a harsh brawl between nobles and commoners. But its reconstruction has been accurate and looks magnificent.
San Cipriano is one of the oldest churches in the city, and draws attention for its triple square apse, to which there is exterior access via a staircase. Its relatively low bell tower is very robust and is topped by a very pointed slate roof that speaks of severe winters.
In its eagerness to fit the concept of a mile – taking as an example other tourist attractions in the United States or Great Britain – the archdiocese of Zamora has “only” accommodated those eight temples. Some of them are separated by just a hundred meters. The furthest from each other, 300. But, in addition, within the historic center of Zamora there are still other temples of the same period and style such as that of the Virgen del Carmen or Santa María de la Horta, which have been left out. of the complex due to the “sin” of being outside the wall (like Santiago de los Caballeros) or the famous mile. That is, about a thousand steps, now that so many watches and mobile phones are dedicated to counting them.
For citizens registered in Zamora, the visit is free. On the other hand, foreigners must go through the ticket office, and can choose to pay one euro at the entrance to each temple or purchase the voucher that includes all of them and costs six. With this, the archdiocese tries to make the Zamorano Romanesque more known and valued. Otherwise, this attractive city on the banks of the Duero has many other architectural attractions that are worth discovering on a relaxing walk that can end at the Stone Bridge, from where you can see a fantastic skyline.
