Zamora: between history, legends, and secrets

Zamora is much more than a city of Romanesque churches and medieval walls. Its streets hide stories of power, family rivalries, betrayals, heroes, and legends that have survived for centuries.

In this guided tour, we will explore some of the most emblematic corners of its historic center, discovering its monumental heritage and the events and curiosities that make Zamora a city full of personality.

We will start at the Palace of the Momos, a jewel of civil architecture built at the end of the 15th century by the initiative of Pedro Rodríguez de Ledesma, commander of Peñausende. In front of its impressive facade, we will discover its symbols, its history, and some secrets of those who inhabited it.

We will continue to the Plaza de Sagasta, formerly known as the Plaza de la Hierba, where we will learn about the rivalry between the Mazariegos and Monsalve families, a 16th-century story marked by disputes, honor, and revenge.

Our next stop will be the Plaza Mayor, the heart of Zamora's life. There we will discover the Merlú, one of the most representative figures of Holy Week, and his role in the early hours of Good Friday. We will also learn about the traditions of the procession of Jesús Nazareno, popularly known as the “drunkards' procession.”

In the Plaza de Viriato, we will recall the feats of Viriato, the legendary Lusitanian leader who challenged Rome, and discover why he became one of Zamora's symbols. In this same space, we will contemplate the Palace of the Counts of Alba and Aliste, now a Parador de Turismo, to delve into the world of nobility and palace intrigues.

We will continue our tour through Romanesque Zamora, visiting three of its most representative temples: San Cipriano, Santa María Magdalena, and San Pedro y San Ildefonso. Their facades and sculptures will allow us to discover medieval beliefs, mysteries, and legends. In this last temple, we will learn about a surprising story of relics, disputes between cities, and a brotherhood determined to protect a valuable religious treasure.

Afterward, we will reach the Mirador del Troncoso, where we will enjoy magnificent views of the Duero while discovering the story of San Atilano, considered the first bishop of Zamora, and the extraordinary legend of his episcopal ring.

Our next stop will be the Cathedral of Zamora, one of the city's great emblems. We will contemplate its magnificent Bishop's portal, discover the details and messages of its Romanesque architecture, and learn about the importance of the tower of Salvador and the cathedral complex in the defense of the city.

We will end in the surroundings of the Castle of Zamora, walking through its gardens until we reach the famous Portillo de la Lealtad, formerly known as the Portillo de la Traición.

Here we will relive the famous Siege of Zamora in 1072, the confrontation between Sancho II and Doña Urraca, the legendary intervention of Bellido Dolfos, and the origin of an expression that remains alive: “Zamora was not won in an hour.”

A tour where history and legend intertwine to show us a surprising Zamora, full of characters and stories that deserve to be told.

Because Zamora is not just visited: it is discovered, listened to, and lived through its stories.