The region of Castile and León is the largest of the seventeen autonomous regions that comprise the country of
Spain. Situated on the western side of Spain, the region of Castile and León is also known as the communication hub of the northern part of the country since it is crossed by the E80 Road, which serves as the main road connecting Portugal and Spain to the rest of the countries of Europe.
The nine provinces that make up the region of Castile and León offers travellers an exquisite blend of lush, picturesque countryside and a rich heritage in terms of history and architecture. In fact, Castile and León is home to six different sites that have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of these is the Way of St. James pilgrimage route. Dating back over a thousand years, the Way of St. James is recognized as one of the most important pilgrimage routes taken by Christians, particularly during the medieval times. The end of the route is the splendid Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, where legend says that the remains of the apostle James have been buried.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site to visit while visiting the region of Castile and León is the Old city of Salamanca. Recognized as one of the most spectacular cities in Europe during the Age of the Renaissance, the city of Salamanca has been once referred to as La Ciudad Dorada, which literally means “The Golden City”. This is because from a distance, the city glistens as if it were made out of gold as a result of the sandstone that had been used for the walls and buildings found in Salamanca. Travelers are sent back into time as they are surrounded by beautifully preserved churches, cathedrals, monasteries and other buildings that date as far back as the 12th century. At the center of it all is the Plaza Mayor which was built during the 18th century and is still considered to this day as one of the finest in all of Europe.