The best to see and do in Lerma in 1 day, historic town in Burgos

One of the towns of Castilla y Leon that is most popular among Madrid residents when it comes to make a getaway it is without a doubt, Lerma, In the Burgos province.

At a distance of just over 200 kilometers from the capital, Lerma has as one of its great attractions the traditional gastronomy, with numerous steakhouses that allows you to enjoy the roast lamb, such a typical dish in the area.

But, from my point of view, it has such rich heritage that it more than justifies an excursion to discover it, as I have been able to do on my various excursions to said Burgos town.

Curiosities history of Lerma

Lerma occupies a strategic location on the banks of the Arlanza River, so throughout history it has become a crossroads.

El Historic moment most outstanding feature of this town is linked to the presence of the Duke of Lerma, who after the transfer of the Court of Spain to Valladolid in 1601, tried to create a court own in the Burgos town.

For 20 years at the beginning of the XNUMXth century, Lerma had its great heritage development coinciding with the time in which the Duke of Lerma was valid for King Philip III.

At that time, artists and relevant figures arrived, and banquets and parties were held in honor of the Kings of Spain.

His fall from power and his becoming a cardinal to avoid persecution led to the duque to take refuge in the Burgos town until his death in 1625.

Shortly after, this town that had up to six monasteries began its decline.

Now you will find a historic core with a great heritage reflecting that era of strength.

The best way to visit it is by signing up for the guided tours organized by the tourist office.

The best things to see and do when visiting Lerma

The historic center of the city extends over the slopes of a hill and still preserves some corners of the primitive medieval enclosure, like the old town square, with its arcades, or the Prison Arch, main entrance door through what was its wall.

Not far away you have the medieval bridge and Ermita del Humilladero, the only one preserved from the time of the Duke of Lerma.

Porticoed Plaza Mayor in Lerma

But the central axis of the current Lerma is the one that starts from its enormous Plaza Mayor.

Originally completely porticoed, it is one of the largest squares in Spain, and when its true dimension is best appreciated is on those days when it remains vehicle-free.

Ducal Palace, Parador Pacional de Lerma

There you find the building of the old Ducal Palace of Lerma, built in 1617 in herrerian style in the place occupied by old medieval castle.

With its four towers and an image that in some way will remind you of the Escorial monastery, said building that was a Royal Palace was transferred to Duke of Lerma by his childhood friend, the aforementioned King Philip III.

At present, the Ducal Palace is the headquarters of  Lerma National Parador, which I advise you to visit to, at least, have a coffee in one of the armchairs in its enormous interior cloister, a good way to rest from the surely overwhelming food that you will have tasted.

Convent of San Blas in Lerma

In an adjacent square is located the Convent of San Blas, from 1627, currently inhabited by Dominican nuns, and where a large reliquary is preserved.

Collegiate Church of San Pedro in Lerma

Your walk through the town should lead you from the Plaza Mayor to Collegiate Church of San Pedro.

That journey, from Ducal Palace, the kings did it and the Duke of Lerma through a tunnel known as the Ducal Passage, which can be visited today.

In this way they could attend the religious services of the collegiate church without having to go out into the street.

The aforementioned Collegiate Church of San Pedro It was built at the same time, the beginning of the 17th century, and inside you can see a plan with three naves with an ambulatory and a transept.

During the visit you will be struck by the original altarpiece and, above all, the bronze tomb Cristóbal de Rojas y Sandoval, as well as the two organs from 1616.

For its part, in the sacristy of the collegiate church you can see a huge marble table inlaid gift from Pope, which the duke hid from the king when he went to Lerma.

Santa Clara Square in Lerma

Another highlight on your visit, next to the collegiate church, is the Santa Clara square, with the tomb of the famous guerrilla of the War of independence known as the priest Merino.

Next to the square opens the Arches viewpoint, from where you have the best panoramic views of the Arlanza River Valley.

Monastery of the Ascension in Lerma

Finally, to highlight the Ascension monastery, from 1610, which was the first convent founded in Lerma by the dukes of Uceda, and where Franciscan Poor Clare nuns currently reside.

What are the guided tours of Lerma like and how to do them?

The guided tours organized by the Lerma Tourist Office They last an hour and a quarter and take place from Tuesday to Sunday, with different schedules.

In particular, the Lerma guided tour schedules They are, from Tuesday to Saturday, at 10,30:12, 16,30 and 10,30:12, and on Sundays, at XNUMX:XNUMX and XNUMX.

The guided tour prices They are, general, 6 euros, and children under 12 years old, 4 euros.

How to visit the Ducal Passage in Lerma

El Lerma guided tour tour It will take you from the Plaza Mayor, to the Ducal Passage, the Plaza de Santa Clara with the Mirador de los Arcos, and the Collegiate Church of San Pedro.

In addition, in a visit on your own you can know the Village Interpretation Center and travel the Ducal Passage for a price of 2 euros.

You can confirm the schedules according to the time of year by calling 947 177 002, here you can consult all the information. updated information the guided tours of Lerma.

Where is and how to get to Lerma in Burgos

Lerma It is located 200 kilometers north of Madrid, From where you arrive in 2 hours on the A1, and just half an hour south of the city of Burgos.