Vadocondes surprises and charms in equal parts. This small village located 13 kilometres from Aranda de Duero, in the Ribera de Duero region of Burgos, has just over 300 inhabitants. But despite its small population at present, it has a great historical legacy. Vadocondes has the title of Villa which was granted by King Ferdinand IV in the 14th century and has been declared a “Bien de Interés Cultural” with the category of Conjunto Histórico since 2008. It is a pleasure to stroll through its historic centre and discover places that hide centuries of history. In addition, the natural environment of Vadocondes is a delight. With the imposing Duero River always present and linked to this beautiful town throughout history (since always), we invite you to stroll through the village without haste and discover our beautiful village near Aranda de Duero.

Must-see places in Vadocondes

1- Puerta Nueva, Puerta de Burgos and the remains of the medieval wall.

You will probably enter Vadocondes through the elegant Puerta Nueva gate. There you can see the remains of the old medieval wall from the 15th century that defended the town from its enemies in the Middle Ages and from the floods of the Duero River. This gate was built in 1796 to replace the old imperial gate, which was in a state of ruin. The imperial coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs, dated between 1492 and 1516, still remains from the old gate. The other access through what was once the wall is the Puerta de Burgos. A wide semicircular arch dating from the 16th century.

2- Church of Our Lady of the Assumption

If you enter through the Puerta Nueva, Albeacín street will take you in a few minutes to the Plaza Manuel Mendoza or Plaza de la Iglesia where you will find the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. This is the most important religious building in Vadocondes. Its original construction dates from the 15th century, a period of transition between Romanesque and Gothic. But as is usual in many churches, it has been remodelled on numerous occasions over the centuries. Therefore, we can currently find many later elements whose construction spans from the 16th to the 18th century and therefore of different architectural styles. In the 18th century doorway we can find a niche with the image of the Assumption of Our Lady of the Assumption. But undoubtedly, the most outstanding part of the exterior is the beautiful quadrangular ashlar tower erected in the 16th century. Inside, the highlights are the 18th-century rococo High Altar and the 16th-century Renaissance baptismal font. If you have the chance to go inside, we recommend it. You can also visit the tower and the parish museum. With a bit of luck, the sacristan might even be around to act as an exceptional impromptu guide. If not, there are volunteers who take it in turns to show you around the church. Their number is on the door of the church.

3- The Plaza Mayor

Right next to the church is the Plaza Mayor. The nerve centre of Vadocondes and the perfect place to stop and have a drink at the bar in the square. Sit in its little terrace and observe the surroundings. In the centre of the square is the Rollo de la Justicia, a 16th-century Gothic piece with a very elaborate and elaborate carving. Although it was reformed in the 18th century. The rollos are stone columns that since the 16th century have represented the administrative category of the place and were only erected in the villas. Another sign of the great importance of Vadocondes in the past.

3- Popular architecture

We recommend that you let yourself wander around the village aimlessly. Vadocondes preserves beautiful buildings of popular architecture as well as some mansions from the 18th century that show the splendour of the town at that time. You will discover many of them on a stroll.

4- Bridge over the Douro

Vadocondes has different bridges, but the bridge over the Duero is perhaps the most emblematic and the most architecturally interesting. This stone bridge has 4 arches and was built in the 18th century to replace the old medieval wooden bridge. Its construction lasted many years and it underwent long works and vicissitudes. It even witnessed a flood.

5- The Dry Bridge

Another emblematic bridge in Vadocondes is the Puente Seco (Dry Bridge), of medieval origin. It is located on the left bank of the Duero river over the Rebolleda stream, very close to the Roman site of Santa Ana and the recreational area. It owes its name to the low flow of this stream, which is almost always dry.

6- The Iron Bridge

This bridge is a true jewel of civil engineering and a must if you are a lover of railway culture. It was designed by Francois Gustave Théophile Seyrig, an engineer associated at the time with Gustave Eiffel. It was installed in 1894, a year before the first train was put into service on the Valladolid-Ariza railway line for which this bridge was built. It ceased to operate in 1993 after the railway line was closed and is now abandoned. We recommend approaching with caution and not crossing the bridge, as it is not maintained and some sections are loose. You may have a scare or worse.

7- Hermitages

Vadocondes has two hermitages. The hermitage of San Cosme and San Damián, located on the north bank of the Duero and somewhat distant from the village. It is dedicated to the patron saints of Vadocondes, the medical saints Cosme and Damián. Of medieval origin, its date of construction is unknown. The Ermita del Humilladero, located in Calle de los Mesones and built in the 17th century with a very austere architecture.

8- Old cellar district

In Vadocondes there is an old district of cellars and underground cellars. It is on the outskirts of the village, on the hill called “Cuesta de San Millán” next to the N-122 road. There are a total of – no more and no less – 78 wineries and 116 wine presses. Some with cellars that extend metres and metres below the hill. The winemaking tradition in Vadocondes dates back to the 13th century, although the heyday of the wineries dates back to the 18th century, when most of them were built. Nowadays these cellars are no longer used as such and many are used for family gatherings. There are no official visits, but if you stay at our house in Vadocondes we will be happy to give you more information.

9- The Douro River

Vadocondes is located next to a meander of the river Duero and its history has always been linked to this river.

The Duero as it passes through Vadocondes

If you like nature activities, you will enjoy yourself in Vadocondes. The Duero river offers many possibilities in our village: canoeing (there is a jetty next to the river in a spectacular spot), cycling or hiking routes along the Duero river, such as the Senda del Duero GR-14. There is also a recreational area, located next to the Puente Seco fountain.

Landscape of the GR-14 Douro trails in the stage of Vadocondes

It is well worth visiting this beautiful town in Ribera del Duero. If you feel like discovering it without haste, enjoying it with your family, as a couple or with friends, we invite you to stay at our house in Vadocondes. We will be delighted to host you and tell you all the secrets about our beautiful village.