Medina de Rioseco
Camino de Madrid
After days of small villages and solitary walking, Medina de Rioseco feels like a city — and compared to what you've been through, it practically is. Known as the "Ciudad de los Almirantes" (City of the Admirals of Castile), the town has genuine architectural wealth and plenty of services.
The churches of Santa Cruz, Santa Maria de Mediavilla, and Santiago are all worth visiting. The town's porticoed streets (soportales) are characteristic of Tierra de Campos market towns and particularly handsome here.
This is an important resupply point. Stock up for the meseta stretches ahead.
Medina de Rioseco was once one of the most important commercial centres in Castile, home to the Admirals of Castile (the Enriquez family). The churches reflect this former prosperity, particularly Santa Maria de Mediavilla with its elaborate interior. The Canal de Castilla, which you'll walk beside on your way out, was an 18th-century engineering marvel built to transport grain from the meseta to the coast.
The first 8 km out of Medina de Rioseco follow the Canal de Castilla — one of the most memorable stretches on the entire Camino de Madrid. You'll walk beside the still water, crossing one of its old locks. Then the landscape shifts back to the open campos.
Accommodation in Medina de Rioseco.
| Albergue del Monasterio de Santa Clara Donativo€ |
