Castilla y Leon

Regions of Spain

Castilla-Leon

Castilla-Leon lies on Spain’s northern plateau. Not only the largest Spanish region, but also the largest in the entire European Union, Castilla- Leon is surrounded on the eastern side by the Sistema Iberico mountain ranges, the Cordillera Central towards the south, the Cordillera Cantabrica on its northern border and the Duero River on the Portuguese border towards the west.

This region was formed in 1983 when two smaller regions, Castilla La Vieja and Leon were united. Both regions had played an important role in Spanish history, as is evident from the many cathedrals, monasteries and castles that are spread over the countryside, many of which remain intact due to careful preservation. Castilla-Leon is also rich in natural wonders, with untouched wilderness and oak forests to explore.

Castilla y Leon has innumerable interesting places to see. In the center of this region is its capital, Valladolid, originally named by the Moors who called it Belad, Ulid or Walid. This city is well-known for its Easter mass and also for being the place where the ‘purest’ Spanish is spoken. In the city of Salamanca lies Salamanca University, one of the oldest in the world. One of Segovia’s greatest features is its colossal Roman aqueduct, as well as its gothic cathedrals and the Alcazar of Segovia, a palace and military fortress. Avila, surrounded by fascinating city walls and Burgos, an old cathedral city with much ecclesiastical history.

Get to know some of Spain's most interesting regions by coming to Spain and taking a Spanish Language Course.