Astudillo: Medieval Town Centre and Mudéjar Art

Astudillo combines a medieval townscape with churches, museums and traces of regional history. Highlights range from the former town fortifications and castle remains to collections of religious art and evidence of the area’s winegrowing heritage.

Medieval Town Centre and the Town’s History

The Conjunto Histórico de Astudillo is protected as a cultural asset in the category of historic ensemble. The designation is based on Decree 191/1995 of 31 August. The town centre retains a medieval layout and sections of the town wall; one of the six former town gates remains. The protected status applies to the historic ensemble, while the wall remains and gate are tangible architectural traces of this history.

Convent, Palace and Church Art

The Convento de Santa Clara-Palacio de Pedro I was founded in 1356 by María de Padilla, the mistress of King Pedro I. Part of the palace rooms has been converted into a museum. It displays Mudéjar works, religious goldsmithing, and paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 18th century.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles is also located within the convent. This unassuming church has Gothic-Mudéjar features; these include a coffered ceiling and a Renaissance high altar with paintings attributed to Juan de Villoldo. The Iglesia de San Pedro offers a different historical perspective: construction began in the 13th century, and its main altar was created in the last third of the 16th century by Hernando de Nestosa.

The Iglesia de Santa Eugenia has also been converted into a parish museum. The artworks on display come from Astudillo’s parish churches and the surrounding hermitages. The collection includes a 4th-century mosaic from the Roman villa of El Oro. The churches and museums therefore offer a range of different testimonies: medieval and early modern architecture, as well as artworks with their own stories of origin.

Castillo de la Mota and Views across the Comarca

Two round towers and some wall remains survive from the ruins of the Castillo de la Mota. The area has been developed as a viewpoint, offering sweeping views across the entire comarca. Here, you can explore Astudillo’s history from two perspectives: through the surviving parts of the castle complex and with a view across the wider region.

Underground Galleries and Wine Cellars

A network of underground galleries has been documented beneath Astudillo, with more than two kilometres mapped. Construction may date back to the Middle Ages, so this dating should not be considered certain. The traditional Bodegas de Astudillo include cellars built in La Mota and El Altillo. They recall the area’s former importance as a winegrowing region, a tradition that continued into the recent past. A prior appointment is required to visit the Bodegas Astudillo; check the current visiting arrangements in advance.

Visits and Further Perspectives

The Oficina de Turismo de Astudillo offers guided tours of the historic town. Check the current dates in advance. The Ruta Este de Palomares also passes through Astudillo: this ten-kilometre route connects Támara de Campos, Santoyo and Astudillo.

Another facet is Villaclick, the permanent Playmobil exhibition at the Albergue de Santa María (Salesianos). A report dated 26 June 2026 describes it at this location, where it has been based since 2024. Visiting arrangements may change, so check them before your visit. This lets you plan your stay around the cultural highlights that interest you most: Astudillo’s town history, religious art, castle remains and regional winegrowing tradition.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Villalcázar De La Sirga, La Vid Y Barrios, Cordovilla de Aguilar, Támara De Campos, Santibañez De La Peña, Venta De Baños, Matalbaniega, Aguilar De Campoo.

For the main travel overview: Palencia.