Finding Frías: exploring Spain's smallest 'city'

Navarre would later be reincorporated into Castille and by the early 1200s was under the rule of Alfonso VIII. The King of Castille granted Frías a number of concessions, affording its people the right of succession and equipping the community with agricultural implements to farm the land. As a result, the town's economy flourished.

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John II of Castile -

In 1435, Frías, by now a comparatively wealthy hub of trade and commerce, was granted the title of city by a suitably impressed John II of Castile. This status is still upheld to this day.

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Must-see landmarks -

Visiting Frías is to step back into the Middle Ages. The most obvious historic landmark is the town's castle.

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The castle -

Enjoying a privileged outlook over the Tobalina valley, the castle, once the home of the dukes of Frías, was completed in the last years of the 12th century. It's one of the most remarkable rock castles found anywhere in Spain.

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The tower keep -

The tower keep can be visited, and affords outstanding panoramic views of the town below and the surrounding countryside.

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Not such a stronghold -

And here's a warning from history: the castle tower hasn't always stood the test of time. In fact, it's partially collapsed at least three times, the most recent being in 1830, resulting in the deaths of around 30 people.

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Hanging houses -

The old medieval center boasts an extraordinary collection of hanging houses (casas colgadas).

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Picturesque abodes -

These lofty townhouses, some up to five floors tall, literally rise from bedrock, their limestone and timber walls lending the cityscape a picturesque yesteryear quality.

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Medieval bridge -

Another iconic Frías landmark is the medieval bridge that spans the Ebro. Replete with nine arches, the bridge dates back to the 13th century.

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Defensive measure -

In the 14th century, the bridge was refurbished to include a defensive tower with arrowslits and battlements. However, the structure mostly served as a toll bridge.

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Church of San Vicente -

A fine example of Gothic architecture, the 13th-century Church of San Vicente is another of the emblematic monuments of Frías.

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Ecclesiastical sightseeing -

After admiring the exterior, especially the impressive bell tower, nip inside and marvel at the Renaissance altarpiece.

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Exploring the historic center -

The historic center of Frías is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and narrow alleys. It's here that the Jewish quarter was located, on calle Convenio and calle Virgen de la Candonga.

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Working up an appetite -

For the hungry traveler, Frías has one or two outstanding gastronomic hotspots guaranteed to whet your appetite. Authentic Castilian cuisine is served up in a number of restaurants known for their rustic appeal and traditional atmosphere.

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Morcones -

Typical of regional fare is morcones, a sausage similar to chorizo but larger in size and with a longer curing process. It's a delicious combo of pork meat, paprika, garlic, and salt. The intense flavor works well with a full-bodied red wine.

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Sheep's cheese -

Another traditional product is sheep's cheese. Produced in a time-honored manner, this artisanal treat exudes a heightened and slightly spicy flavor.

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Las Merindades honey -

Las Merindades honey has been produced in Frías for centuries. The honey is obtained from the bees that forage in the fields of wildflowers surrounding the town, and the flavor is quite unique and oh so sweet. Las Merindades honey is used in both sweet and savory dishes.

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Out and about -

It's worth spending a few days in Frías to absorb its truly beguiling character. But the town also serves as a convenient base from which to explore further afield.

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Tobera waterfalls -

Tobera is known as the village with a thousand waterfalls. Fed by the Molinar River, these sparkling, cascading water features help identify this delightful pocket of Burgos.

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Santa Maria de la Hoz shrine -

Tobera is also where you can admire the Santa Maria de la Hoz shrine. This attractive little church is reached via a medieval bridge and marks the entrance to the waterfalls.

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Ebro Canyon -

The more adventurous can explore the rugged beauty of the Ebro Canyon or the Obarenes Mountains. Both blessed with jaw-dropping landscapes, these destinations are favored by seasoned hikers and rock climbers.

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Cycling the Castilian countryside -

Did you know that you can rent a bike out of Frías? Cycling the Burgos countryside is another wholly rewarding way of discovering the region beyond the 'city.'

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Oña -

Make an effort to visit nearby Oña. Just 30 minutes away by vehicle, this pleasant town is the location of the splendid 11th-century Benedictine monastery of San Salvador de Oña.

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Making tracks -

More hiking opportunities present themselves a short jaunt out of Onã at El Sendero de la Cerrada del Rio Castril o de las Pasarelas Raíces de Castilla. Yep, that's quite a mouthful, but you'll be following one of the most celebrated walking trails in northern Spain.

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Poza de la Sal -

Spare time, too, to check out scenic Poza de la Sal. Famous for its salt pans, this picturesque village, seen here from its medieval castle, is another destination with a fine reputation for local cuisine.

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Raíces de Castilla Commonwealth -

In fact, Frías, Oña, and Poza de la Sal belong to what's known as the Raíces de Castilla Commonwealth. The three destinations are promoted as one to highlight the region's rich medieval legacy.

Sources: (Spain.info) (Fascinating Spain) (Raíces de Castilla) (City Population)

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Welcome to Frías -

Frías is a charming medieval town hidden away in the province of Burgos in Castile and León, northern Spain. Except it isn't a town at all. Instead, this is Spain's smallest city.

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A population of few -

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Sancho III of Pamplona -

In the 10th century CE, Frías was incorporated into the kingdom of Navarre, in Burgos province. Navarre was controlled by Sancho III of Pamplona, also known as Sancho the Great.

NL Beeld

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Alfonso VIII of Castile -

Getty Images

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John II of Castile -

In 1435, Frías, by now a comparatively wealthy hub of trade and commerce, was granted the title of city by a suitably impressed John II of Castile. This status is still upheld to this day.

Shutterstock

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Must-see landmarks -

Visiting Frías is to step back into the Middle Ages. The most obvious historic landmark is the town's castle.

Shutterstock

6 / 30 Fotos

The castle -

Shutterstock

7 / 30 Fotos

The tower keep -

The tower keep can be visited, and affords outstanding panoramic views of the town below and the surrounding countryside.

Shutterstock

8 / 30 Fotos

Not such a stronghold -

Shutterstock

9 / 30 Fotos

Hanging houses -

The old medieval center boasts an extraordinary collection of hanging houses (casas colgadas).

Shutterstock

10 / 30 Fotos

Picturesque abodes -

These lofty townhouses, some up to five floors tall, literally rise from bedrock, their limestone and timber walls lending the cityscape a picturesque yesteryear quality.

Shutterstock

11 / 30 Fotos

Medieval bridge -

Another iconic Frías landmark is the medieval bridge that spans the Ebro. Replete with nine arches, the bridge dates back to the 13th century.

Shutterstock

12 / 30 Fotos

Defensive measure -

In the 14th century, the bridge was refurbished to include a defensive tower with arrowslits and battlements. However, the structure mostly served as a toll bridge.

NL Beeld

13 / 30 Fotos

Church of San Vicente -

A fine example of Gothic architecture, the 13th-century Church of San Vicente is another of the emblematic monuments of Frías.

Shutterstock

14 / 30 Fotos

Ecclesiastical sightseeing -

After admiring the exterior, especially the impressive bell tower, nip inside and marvel at the Renaissance altarpiece.

NL Beeld

15 / 30 Fotos

Exploring the historic center -

The historic center of Frías is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and narrow alleys. It's here that the Jewish quarter was located, on calle Convenio and calle Virgen de la Candonga.

Shutterstock

16 / 30 Fotos

Working up an appetite -

Getty Images

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Morcones -

Shutterstock

18 / 30 Fotos

Sheep's cheese -

Another traditional product is sheep's cheese. Produced in a time-honored manner, this artisanal treat exudes a heightened and slightly spicy flavor.

Shutterstock

19 / 30 Fotos

Las Merindades honey -

Shutterstock

20 / 30 Fotos

Out and about -

It's worth spending a few days in Frías to absorb its truly beguiling character. But the town also serves as a convenient base from which to explore further afield.

Shutterstock

21 / 30 Fotos

Tobera waterfalls -

Tobera is known as the village with a thousand waterfalls. Fed by the Molinar River, these sparkling, cascading water features help identify this delightful pocket of Burgos.

Shutterstock

22 / 30 Fotos

Santa Maria de la Hoz shrine -

Tobera is also where you can admire the Santa Maria de la Hoz shrine. This attractive little church is reached via a medieval bridge and marks the entrance to the waterfalls.

Getty Images

23 / 30 Fotos

Ebro Canyon -

Shutterstock

24 / 30 Fotos

Cycling the Castilian countryside -

Did you know that you can rent a bike out of Frías? Cycling the Burgos countryside is another wholly rewarding way of discovering the region beyond the 'city.'

NL Beeld

25 / 30 Fotos

Oña -

Make an effort to visit nearby Oña. Just 30 minutes away by vehicle, this pleasant town is the location of the splendid 11th-century Benedictine monastery of San Salvador de Oña.

Shutterstock

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Making tracks -

NL Beeld

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Poza de la Sal -

Shutterstock

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Raíces de Castilla Commonwealth -

In fact, Frías, Oña, and Poza de la Sal belong to what's known as the Raíces de Castilla Commonwealth. The three destinations are promoted as one to highlight the region's rich medieval legacy.

Sources: (Spain.info) (Fascinating Spain) (Raíces de Castilla) (City Population)

Getty Images

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Finding Frías: exploring Spain's smallest 'city'

Discover this historic medieval town in Burgos province

10/10/24 | StarsInsider

TRAVEL Destinations

When we think of Spanish cities, places like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and San Sebastián often spring to mind, big conurbations of many hundreds of thousands of residents. But there's one city so tiny it counts a population of little more than 250 souls. Furthermore, it's medieval in origin and located in a remote corner of the Castilian countryside. This unlikely destination is called Frías, and it's officially Spain's smallest city.

But what's the big deal surrounding this historic hamlet, and how did it gain such imposing status? Click through and find out more about this unique place of interest.