The little town of Medina del Campo, on the Río Zapardiel, is an important rail and road junction on the N VI, the main road from Madrid to La Coruña. Until the 16th century Medina del Campo was one of Europe's most important commercial towns, and the Catholic Monarchs made it a royal residence. Isabella the Catholic died in the town in 1504.
Above the town is the 15th century Castillo de la Mota, one of the finest castles in Spain. Brick-built, it was erected by Fernando Carreño in 1440. It was a favorite residence of Isabella the Catholic, who died in the castle. Her daughter Joan the Mad also frequently stayed here. Cesare Borgia (César Borja) was imprisoned in the keep from 1504 to 1506.
Address: Castillo de la Mota, Avda Castillo de la Mota, Medina del Campo , Spain
Hours:
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Epiphany (3 Kings' Day ) - Christian (January 6), Castile and Leon Day - Spain (April 23), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), National Day - Spain (October 12), All Saints' Day - Christian (November 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Constitution Day - Spain (December 6), Good Friday - Christian, Maundy (Holy) Thursday - Christian, Easter - Christian
The Medina del Campo's Hospital was built by Simón Ruiz, a 16th century merchant and banker, and visitors can still see the wards. The church has a very fine retablo by Juan de Ávila, with sculpture by Pedro de la Cuadra.
The Palacio de las Dueñas in Calle Santa Teresa is a magnificent mansion decked with coats of arms, with a Renaissance gallery and a beautiful inner courtyard.
The collegiate church of San Antolín (1503) has a large and impressive retablo which was the work of many artists, including Juan Rodríguez and Cornelis de Holanda. Capilla de los Quiñones has a relief by Juan de Juni.
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