Carrión de los Condes became a major centre of the Banu Gómez counts in the 10th century, when their territories extended across a large part of the Kingdom of León. The traditional explanation of the name de los Condes links it to these counts, although its exact origin is uncertain. In the 11th century, Gómez Díaz and Teresa Peláez expanded an existing monastery and rededicated it to San Zoilo, beginning its later importance on the Camino.
What to see in Carrión de los Condes
Iglesia de Santiago
The Iglesia de Santiago was built in the 12th century, although much of the church was rebuilt after a fire in the 19th century. Its Romanesque western façade survives, with an archivolt containing 24 figures: 22 people and two lions. Among the human figures are smiths, shoemakers, musicians, a scribe, a judge, warriors and other medieval occupations and characters. Above them, a large frieze depicts Christ in Majesty surrounded by the Apostles and symbols of the four Evangelists.
Iglesia de Santa María del Camino
The Iglesia de Santa María del Camino was built in the 12th century and preserves a richly carved Romanesque portal. Among its sculptures are female figures and bull heads associated with the local legend of the Tribute of the Hundred Maidens, in which the Virgin is said to have sent bulls to rescue four girls from Carrión who were being taken away as tribute.
Real Monasterio de San Zoilo
The monastery took the name San Zoilo in the 11th century after relics of the Córdoba martyr were brought here. In 1076, Teresa Peláez and her family gave the monastery to the Abbey of Cluny. San Zoilo became known for its hospitality to pilgrims, who were allowed bread and wine without fixed ration.
Little survives of the Romanesque monastery. The present complex is dominated by its richly carved 16th-century Plateresque cloister.
Where to stay in Carrión de los Condes
Albergue Espíritu Santo
Albergue de peregrinos Santa María
Albergue Santa Clara
