Aranda de Duero is the nerve centre of the Ribera del Duero region of Burgos and one of the most emblematic towns in the region. It is known for its wines and wineries and for its gastronomic offer, with roast lamb as its star product.
Aranda de Duero’s historical and artistic heritage is also spectacular, so we recommend you dedicate at least one day to it. Ideally, though, you should be able to enjoy Aranda de Duero for a whole weekend.
The best things to see in Aranda de Duero
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Underground Cellars
Aranda de Duero has had a historical link with wine for 2,000 years. But it was during the Middle Ages, specifically in the 12th and 13th centuries, when a spectacular network of 7 km. of cellars and underground caves at a depth of 13 m. began to be built. Practically every family had one of these cellars under their house.
Some of them can still be visited today, such as the Bodega Histórica Don Carlos.
A must on your visit to Aranda de Duero.
If you want to visit more wineries in Aranda de Duero, we leave you our recommendations: 5 Wineries in Aranda de Duero that you must visit.
Historic Don Carlos Winery. Image: Ribera del Duero Wine Route
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The Plaza Mayor and surrounding streets
The Plaza Mayor is the nerve centre of the town and one of the essential things to see in Aranda de Duero. It is surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants and is always full of life.
We also recommend that you let yourself get lost in all the surrounding streets that lead to the Plaza Mayor, such as Calle Béjar or Calle Miel.
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The Plaza del Trigo and Isilla Street
Don’t miss a stop at the Plaza del Trigo and a stroll along Calle Isilla. This street is pedestrianised and very commercial. And it is full of restaurants where you can also eat a good suckling lamb or any other gastronomic delight.
Be sure to try a delicious traditional suckling lamb roasted in a wood-fired oven accompanied by a good Aranda cake and, of course, the delicious Ribera del Duero wine.
Don’t miss the traditional suckling lamb roasted in a wood-fired oven. Image: Ribera del Duero Wine Route
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Church of Santa María la Real
It is the jewel in the crown of Aranda de Duero with its imposing Gothic-Isabelline façade and its delicate decoration.
The church was built between the 15th and 16th centuries on the site of an old Romanesque building of which only the tower remains today. It is considered one of the best examples of flamboyant Gothic in Spain.
Although the exterior façade is spectacular and you could spend hours observing its many details, it is also worth visiting the interior to marvel at its architecture. It has 4 naves. This is quite unusual for a church and also gives the false impression that the interior of the church is square.
Church of Santa María Aranda de Duero . Image: Ribera del Duero Wine Route
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Church of San Juan
It is a 15th century Gothic church with a remarkable façade, ribbed vaults and Renaissance altarpiece.
This church is currently not used for worship and houses the Museum of Sacred Art of Aranda de Duero and the Ribera del Duero region.
Church Museum of San Juan. Image: Ribera del Duero Wine Route
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House of the Balls
It is an emblematic building from the 15th century. Inside this building you can currently find a museum with works of European painting from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
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Romanesque bridge of Las Tenerías
Right next to the Church of San Juan and the Casa de las Bolas, we find the Puente de Tenerías. The most picturesque bridge in Aranda de Duero.
It is a beautiful medieval bridge built between the 12th and 13th centuries, and it does not cross the Duero River but one of its tributaries, the Bañuelos River.
Medieval Romanesque bridge of Las Tenerías. Image: Ribera del Duero Wine Route
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La Plaza del Rollo
In this square you will find the Palacio de Los Berdugo, a 15th century Renaissance manor house with a beautiful ashlar stone façade and an arcaded courtyard with double balustrade in a spectacular state of preservation.
The palace has been home to the Miranda family for more than 17 generations and is a clear example of 15th century Castilian architecture.
Casa Palacio de los Berdugo and Plaza del Rollo. Image: Ribera del Duero Wine Route
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Train Museum
If you are fond of trains, you will love this museum.
It is located in the old train station of Aranda de Duero-Chelva, about 2 km from the historic centre. The museum occupies two buildings, one of them dating from the 19th century. It has a large collection of old pieces, uniforms, locomotive tools and other materials that highlight the importance of the train in this area of Burgos.
Train Museum. Image: Ribera del Duero Wine Route
From our house La Ren Lecrés we offer an ideal rural accommodation to stay while you visit Aranda de Duero and surroundings. We will also be happy to give you all the recommendations you need and help you organise your visit to Ribera del Duero.
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