Medina del Campo is a Castilian town steeped in history and tradition. Established in the Middle Ages and renowned for its trade fairs, this Castilian town has remained a historic centre in Castilla y León. Today, Medina del Campo is appreciated not only for its architectural heritage, but also for its rich cultural history linked to figures such as Queen Isabella the Catholic.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, Medina del Campo became one of the most important places in Castile, reaching a population of 20,000 😱 (the same as today)
Do you want to visit the ‘Town of Fairs’? Here we tell you things to do in Medina del Campo. Do you dare?
Things to do in Medina del Campo: Indispensable Sites
1. La Mota Castle: An Icon of History
The first thing to do in Medina del Campo is, without doubt, the majestic Castillo de la Mota, one of the most important castles in Spain. This imposing 15th-century fortress was key to the history of Castile and is famous for its Gothic-Mudejar architecture. You can explore its towers, walls and courtyards, and learn more about the history of the Catholic Monarchs and the War of the Spanish Succession. Legend has it that the ghost of Queen Isabella the Catholic, who died in Medina del Campo, still haunts the castle, watching over her beloved fortress.
The castle owes its name to the small elevation or “mota” on which it is built, and from its towers you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Medina del Campo was founded in the 11th century and this was the centre of the town.
In the Visitor Reception Centre you can see a curious archaeological site from the Iron Age (a curious thing to do in Medina del Campo). The exterior of the castle, the parade ground and the rest of the ground floor can be visited free of charge, but the ascent to the tower costs 5€ (includes a visit to the whole castle with a guide).
2. Plaza Mayor de la Hispanidad: The Heart of the City
Head to the Plaza Mayor de la Hispanidad, one of the largest squares in Spain and a must in the things to do in Medina del Campo. This square has been an important commercial centre since the Middle Ages and today is the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a coffee on one of its terraces and admire the historic buildings that surround it.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, this square was the scene of great fairs of international importance. This is where the merchants who came to the town would set up shop. If you look carefully 🧐 you will see that there are plaques on the floor of the square indicating which guild was located in which area.
During the 15th century, the Plaza Mayor was one of the most important markets in Europe, where trade fairs were held, attracting merchants from all over the continent.
With the arrival of the railway in 1860, the image of the Plaza Mayor, the old Rúa and the remaining streets of the historic centre of the town changed radically. The Town Council agreed that only the arcades in the square would be maintained, and those in the adjacent streets were demolished in order to make the public thoroughfare wider.
3. Royal Testamentary Palace: The House of Isabel la Católica
A few steps from the Plaza Mayor is the Royal Testamentary Palace, another of the must in the things to do in Medina del Campo. It is a place full of history where Queen Isabella the Catholic spent her last days and dictated her will. This palace-museum will allow you to learn more about the life and legacy of one of the most important figures in Spanish history.
In 2004 it was fitted out as an Interpretation Centre on Queen Isabella the Catholic, her relationship with Medina and her Testament. General admission is €3.50, but you can enter the courtyard for free.
This palace was one of the habitual residences of Queen Isabella the Catholic. She dictated her will here on 12 October 1504 and died here shortly afterwards.
4. Collegiate Church of San Antolin: Art and Spirituality
The next place in our things to do in Medina del Campo is the impressive Collegiate Church of San Antolin, a Gothic church that towers majestically over the town. The origins of this temple date back to 1777, but the present one was built mainly between the 16th and 17th centuries. It’s worth climbing to the top of the clock tower, for 3€, to see the magnificent views (be careful, there are 158 steps 💪)
Inside, you can admire religious artwork and enjoy the peace and quiet of this sacred place.
It is said that in the crypt of the Collegiate Church lie the remains of a mysterious Templar knight, whose spirit still protects the temple.
5. Discover the Casa de los Arcos
Not far from the park is the Casa de los Arcos, one og the most emblematic things to do in Medina del Campo, or better, to visit. This Renaissance building, with its façade of arches and balconies, is an example of the architectural splendour of the city in the 16th century.
The Casa de los Arcos housed important historical figures during the fairs and is a symbol of the power and wealth of the city at that time.
6. Museum of the Fairs: A Journey into the Commercial Past
Medina del Campo is known for its historic fairs, and the Museo de las Ferias is the perfect place to discover more about this fascinating aspect of its history. The museum houses a collection of objects and documents that illustrate the importance of the fairs in the town’s economy and culture from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
One of the most outstanding pieces to see and cool things to do in Medina del Campo is a copy of the “Tasa de Oro”, a document that regulated the trade of precious metals in the fairs of Medina del Campo. There are also many other things to do in Medina for history lovers.
You cannot leave Medina del Campo without visiting the Convent of Santa Clara, a Franciscan convent founded in the 14th century. This convent is known for its beautiful Gothic and Mudejar architecture, as well as for its impressive cloister and gardens. We recommend it as one of the most beautiful things to do in Medina del Campo.
The convent houses a valuable collection of sacred art, top in the things to do in Medina del Campo, including sculptures, paintings, and liturgical objects dating back several centuries.
8. The Art of Tapas in Padilla Street
It’s time to recharge your batteries, and there’s no better place to do so than in Calle Padilla, known for its bars and restaurants offering delicious tapas. Try local specialities such as torreznos (rashers of bacon), black pudding or sheep’s cheese, accompanied by a good wine from the region.
Medina del Campo is part of the Rueda Designation of Origin, famous for its white wines, especially verdejo.
9. Royal Butchers: Local Flavours and Colours
After lunch, visit the Mercado de Abastos (former royal butcher’s shops), a curious place where locals buy fresh produce.
The Royal Butchers were built in 1562. The market has been held in the same place for centuries and is one of the most popular places to visit in Medina del Campo, the oldest food market in Spain (a must-see and a must-do in the things to do in Medina del Campo). Originally, it was located outside the old medieval town, on the banks of the Zapardiel River, in order to easily evacuate the waste…
Things to do in Medina del Campo: nearby excursions
If you liked this guide of the things to do in Medina del Campo, we would like to tell you that very close to this town there are other places worth seeing:
Olmedo: Known as the “Villa del Caballero”, Olmedo offers a rich historical and cultural heritage, including the Mudejar Theme Park, a tour of the old town, and a visit to the church of San Miguel.
Tordesillas: Famous for the Treaty of Tordesillas, this historic town offers much to see, including the Monastery of Santa Clara and the Museum of the Treaty, not forgetting a stroll through the old town.
Valladolid: The capital of the province is about 45 minutes away by car and offers a rich cultural, gastronomic, and leisure offer. Visit the National Museum of Sculpture, stroll around the Plaza Mayor and the old town, and taste tapas in the area of the Plaza de San Miguel.
Don’t miss these iconic things to do in Medina del Campo.
Typical Gastronomy to see in Medina del Campo
If you are wondering what are the things to do in Medina del Campo, beyond its historical monuments and its cultural wealth, the local gastronomy is an aspect you cannot overlook. This town in the province of Valladolid offers a variety of traditional dishes that reflect the essence of Castilian cuisine. Here are some of the most typical dishes you should try when you visit Medina del Campo.
Roast suckling lamb
One of the most emblematic dishes in our things to do in Medina del Campo, is tryings the roast suckling lamb. This suckling lamb, raised exclusively on mother’s milk, is cooked slowly in a wood-fired oven, which gives it tender, juicy meat. Suckling lamb is traditionally served with a simple side dish of salad or potatoes, allowing its natural flavour and smooth texture to take centre stage. This dish is a real delicacy that reflects the tradition and care taken in the local cuisine.
Castilian Soup
Sopa Castellana, also known as garlic soup, is a comforting dish, a must of the things to do in Medina del Campo, especially in the cold months. It is made with simple ingredients such as bread, garlic, paprika and egg, to which Serrano ham or chorizo is added in some versions. This soup is served hot, often in clay pots, and is an excellent example of how traditional cuisine can transform humble ingredients into a delicious and nutritious culinary experience.
Morcilla de Medina
Another culinary gem, my favourite of the things to do in Medina del Campo and to taste, is morcilla, a sausage made by hand from pig’s blood, rice and spices. Black pudding from Medina is especially appreciated for its mild flavour and creamy texture, which make it perfect for enjoying fried or roasted. This sausage is an ideal accompaniment to other dishes or as a tapa in local bars, and is a clear example of the region’s rich sausage-making tradition.
Chorizo de Medina
Chorizo is another sausage that you cannot miss in yout visit by the things to do in Medina del Campo. Made with pork, paprika and garlic, it is cured in the traditional way, which gives it a deep flavour and firm texture. Chorizo from Medina del Campo is ideal to accompany other dishes, such as vegetable stews, or simply to enjoy sliced with a glass of red wine from the region.
Amarguillos
For those with a sweet tooth, amarguillos are a typical dessert to see in Medina del Campo. These little sweets are made with almonds, sugar and egg white, creating a crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside. Amarguillos are perfect to enjoy with a coffee or a liqueur, and represent the confectionery tradition of the area, being a sweet that cannot be missed at local celebrations and events.Don’t forget to try them when exploring the things to do in Medina del Campo.
Local wines
Finally, no gastronomic tour of Medina del Campo would be complete without tasting the local wines. This is a top and a must in the things to do in Medina del Campo. The vineyards that surround the town produce excellent quality wines, both red and white, which go perfectly with Castilian cuisine. The region’s wines are known for their character and their ability to complement the intense flavours of Medina del Campo’s traditional dishes.
History and Evolution of Medina del Campo
Origins and Foundation
Medina del Campo, whose name comes from the Arabic word “Medina” meaning city, has its roots in pre-Roman times. However, it was during the Arab domination that the city began to gain relevance, consolidating itself as an important urban centre. Its strategic location on the Castilian plateau, at the confluence of key trade routes, allowed Medina del Campo to thrive as a centre of exchange and trade from its earliest days, which today forms part of the rich heritage to see in Medina del Campo. Exploring the things to do in Medina del Campo its exploring it´s history.
The Middle Ages: Growth and Splendour
The real boom of Medina del Campo began in the Middle Ages, especially from the 13th century onwards, when the town became an outstanding commercial centre. The granting of fairs by the Kings of Castile, such as the San Antolin Fair, attracted merchants from all over Europe, consolidating Medina del Campo as one of the most important markets on the continent. During the 14th and 15th centuries, the town specialised in the sale of wool, textiles and luxury goods, which led to the construction of important buildings and a notable demographic growth. These historical developments are key to understanding the best things to do in Medina del Campo today.
The Golden Age and the International Fair
In the 16th century, Medina del Campo reached its maximum splendour, becoming a commercial reference point in Castile and throughout Europe. The Medina del Campo Fair became international, attracting bankers and merchants from all over Europe, which encouraged the development of a powerful local bank. During this period, the town also consolidated itself as a cultural and artistic centre, with the construction of emblematic monuments such as the Royal Testamentary Palace and the Collegiate Church of San Antolin. These monuments are essential when considering the things to do in Medina del Campo.
Btw, did you know what are the things to do in Medina del Campo?
Decline and Recovery
The decline of the city began in the 17th century due to the economic crisis that affected Castile and the change in trade routes towards the Atlantic, following the conquest of America. Despite the reduction of its economic importance, Medina del Campo maintained its relevance as an agricultural and livestock centre in the region. It was in the 19th and 20th centuries when the town underwent a revitalisation, thanks to the improvement of infrastructures, such as the arrival of the railway, and the recovery of the fair, which was adapted to the new times. This period of adaptation and change is another important aspect in the things to do in Medina del Campo.
Medina del Campo today
Today, Medina del Campo is a city that combines its rich historical heritage with a modern economy. Although no longer the epicentre of European commerce, it remains an important centre of services and commerce in the Castilla y León region. Its historical heritage, which includes an impressive collection of monuments and a network of museums and cultural spaces, attracts visitors interested in history and culture.
In addition, the revitalisation of its fairs and its commitment to cultural and wine tourism have enabled Medina del Campo to maintain its relevance and continue to evolve in the 21st century. All this forms an essential in the things to do in Medina del Campo, making the city a complete destination full of history.
We hope you have enjoyed these top things to do in Medina del Campo.
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