Aranda de Duero

Aranda de Duero is a city in the province of Burgos, Spain. It is situated between Madrid and Burgos, making it an accesible junction by which visitors can travel both north and south.

There are many sights to see in the area, and one can highlight important buildings like "The Berdugo Palace": a renaissance mansion situated in the centre of the city.

Furthermore it is important to visit religious buildings in the region, such as the Ccurch of Santa Maria as it was built in a Gothic style.

The Virgin of the Vineyards Sanctuary is found on a small hill to the north of the city where there is a park of the same name. Here there is an image of the Vigin of the Vineyards, the patron saint of the city.

As for as culture is concerned in Aranda de Duero, one can also find museums, for example there is one on the Railway, which informs us of its history and importance within the city.

The Pottery Museum is situated in the neighbourhood of Santo Domingo and has a wide collection of traditional pottery from Castile and Leon.

Music is particulary highlighted in the "Sonorama" in Aranda de Duero.
It is a festival of independent music organised by the cultural association of Troya, which is celebrated in the city around the middle of August.

Of course, there are many romeriasm and fairs that are celebrated in Aranda. The first of these is called Cañonazo and the followind Sunday they celebrate the day of the Virgin on the Vineyards. A tradition of Aranda is that of the bulls, where a great race takes place, creating huge crowds of noise all around.

Fodd in Aranda is typically roasted lamb chops, fried sausages (=chorizo)and, of course, the famous black pudding (=morzilla) of Burgos. As previously metioned, the renowned wine of Aranda plays a large part to complete the wide range of food.
For dessert, the most popular are the empiñonados, the yolks and the torts (torta) of Aranda.

Perhaps one of the most well known restaurants in Aranda is called " The Shepherd" El Pastor. I love to go there at least once a year with my family whenever I get the chance.

As yoiu can see,it is evident that Aranda has much to offer both tourists and local people and I would warmly recommend a visit there to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Cristina Juan