What to see in Astorga, province of León

Astorga what to see

Would you like to take a short weekend getaway? Large trips require several days to discover a destination in depth, but we should not waste weekends, because in a couple of days we can see small places that have a lot to show us, as with the Leonese population of Astorga. A simple trip in which to enjoy a quiet place with its own history.

En Astorga we will meet in the center of the province of León and we will enjoy some monuments but also surprises like the original Chocolate Museum. Because these little getaways can lead to very interesting trips knowing all the corners of our geography.

How to get to Astorga

El starting point would be León, since here it is easy to get to from anywhere in the country and we may even arrive by plane. In this way, we will only have to take the AP-71 and the N-120 highway from Logroño that leads to Astorga. It is a fairly large place compared to some of the neighboring towns, so we will find it well signposted.

A little history of Astorga

This small city was born as a Roman camp in which populations later settled. It became a prosperous place thanks to trade with the north of Spain and it was also the episcopal seat, gaining great importance since the XNUMXth century thanks to the Camino de Santiago. In the centuries XIX and XX lived its industrial development with the chocolate trade and the railroad industry, which made it grow and progress. Today it stands out for being a place of passage on the famous Camino de Santiago and being part of the Vía de la Plata that leads south.

What to see in Astorga

The city of Astorga is a bit more touristy since the the Camino de Santiago It has boomed in recent years, but it was always an important religious point in the Peninsula. We will see some of its most emblematic monuments and everything that we can see in the city, whether we are passing through or if we have made an interesting getaway.

Episcopal Palace of Astorga

Episcopal palace

The Espicopal Palace of Astorga is a place worth seeing because it seems that we are in front of a fairytale castle. It's about a neo-gothic style building whose project was created by Gaudí. We say that it looks like a castle because outside we find battlements, towers and even a moat. But the surprising thing about this building is that upon entering we find ourselves in a building that looks more like a church. You have to look at all its details, because in this project Gaudí introduced ideas that he would use later. Inside the palace you can especially enjoy the beautiful chapel, with beautiful details, and the medieval aspect of the basement. It houses the Museo de los Caminos, dedicated to the Camino de Santiago that passes through the city. The palace is closed on Mondays, except in August, and on Sundays, in addition to some holidays. It is possible to buy a joint ticket to see the palace, the cathedral and the museums.

Astorga Cathedral

Astorga Cathedral

This cathedral is the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Astorga, of great antiquity. This cathedral comprises various styles, since it was built at different times, beginning in the XNUMXth century. Its baroque façade, full of details, or the southern door in Renaissance style should be highlighted. It is dedicated to Santa María and inside you can see different altarpieces, the organ or the cloister. The Main Chapel is full of details and the Cathedral Museum is made up of nine rooms with works of great value.

Chocolate Museum

Chocolate Museum

We recently told you about the different chocolate museums that were all over the world and we also stopped at one that we have in our country, precisely in Astorga. The reason this museum is in the city is because for years the chocolate industry It was very important in the area, hence they have created a museum dedicated to the manufacture and history of chocolate. Inside the museum you can enjoy a tour through the history of chocolate, see the machines with which this delicious food is manufactured and enjoy the photographs that help us to know more about its production and advertising throughout the years. . This is also a good place to go with children, since the museum has activities for the little ones. Be careful, because this museum usually closes on Mondays, like many others, and also some specific days, so it is better to check the opening hours before visiting.

Roman Museum of Astorga

Roman Museum of Astorga

If you want to know more about the old Astúrica AugustaThen you have to pay a visit to the Roman Museum of Astorga, where they tell us what everyday life was like at that time, when the Romans ruled the Peninsula. In addition, this museum has the addition that it is located in a restored building dating from the XNUMXst century BC. C.


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