Palencia is a vibrant and welcoming city, ideal for living and enjoying. Its location facilitates visits both to the city and its surroundings, highlighting Cerro del Otero, with the imposing figure of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which offers magnificent panoramic views.
Among its monuments, the Cathedral and its Cathedral Museum, the Episcopal Palace, and the Church of San Miguel stand out, exemplifying the transition between Romanesque and Gothic styles. It is also recommended to visit the Díaz Caneja Foundation, which houses the painter's legacy. Palencia invites you to wander its streets with open eyes to discover its charms and enjoy the hospitality of its inhabitants.
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Cathedral of San Antolín
This Gothic temple began construction in 1321 on the remains of two earlier churches that can still be visited today: a Visigothic one from the 7th century and a Romanesque one from the 11th century, both converging in the Crypt of San Antolín, the patron saint of Palencia, forming a unique space.
The cathedral museum houses true gems of painting, sculpture, goldsmithing, tapestries, and fabrics from all eras and styles. Notable works include the painting of Saint Sebastian by El Greco and the diptych of The Passion by Pedro Berruguete, which depicts Calvary and the Lamentation over Christ Dead, with the Virgin and Child on the reverse.
Water Museum
Located in an old goods warehouse at the dock of the Canal de Castilla, this museum is an excellent example of the recovery of historical infrastructures. This building, linked to the hydraulic works of the Spanish Enlightenment, combines its former function related to water with its current role as an educational centre.
At the museum, visitors can learn about Palencia’s hydraulic heritage and the importance of water conservation and responsible consumption. Through models, exhibitions, videos, and informative panels, topics such as the water we use, drink, and where it flows in the Palencia territory are explored. The space offers an educational and entertaining experience about this valuable water resource.
Christ of the otero (hillock)
Majestically, the Sacred Heart of Jesus rises on a hill northeast of the city, a masterpiece by the Palentian sculptor Victorio Macho, in the popular Barrio del Cristo. At the feet of this majestic image lie the remains of the renowned sculptor, in the chapel that shares space with the Interpretation Centre located beneath the stone, at the top of the hill. Its protective mantle is illustrated in the position of its hands, and the characteristic detail of its face, inspired by post-cubism, presents a style to the people of Palencia that is extremely simple yet of great conceptual beauty.
Modernist route
Palencia offers a true journey through time with a route among magnificent buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring countless masterpieces that reflect the prosperity of the local bourgeoisie during that period.
For this reason, in April 2023, the people of Palencia officially joined the select European Modernism Route, alongside cities like Paris, Barcelona, and Budapest. The Art Nouveau association is non-profit and consists of local governments and international modernist heritage. It also fosters a large community for lovers of art that delights the eyes of those who behold it.