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Village · Astorga, Castela e Leão
Castrillo de los Polvazares
Maragato village 5 km from Astorga, a historic ensemble of reddish stone houses, cobbled streets and large gates from the old muleteers, known for the cozido maragato.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Castrillo de los Polvazares
Castrillo de los Polvazares is a small village in the comarca of the Maragatería, about 5 km west of Astorga, declared a historic ensemble. The village was destroyed by floods and rebuilt in the 16th century in its current location, and it has hardly changed since then.
The inhabitants of Castrillo were maragato muleteers who transported wine, fish and other goods along Spain's roads. The houses, called casas arrieiras, were built for that work: they are made of reddish stone, with large wooden gates for the passage of carts, internal courtyards, stables and cellars. The streets are paved with stone, and the center is closed to cars.
Today the village is known for its cozido maragato restaurants, served from back to front: first the meats, then the chickpeas with cabbage, and finally the soup. Many people go to Castrillo just for the cozido lunch.
The Camino Francés passes nearby, and some pilgrims make the detour to visit the village. The writer Concha Espina set her novel La esfinge maragata there.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours, including lunch.
Best time
At lunchtime, when the restaurants serve the cozido. On weekends, book ahead.
How to get there
It is about 5 km west of Astorga. Go by car or taxi, or on foot in about 1 hour. The car stays in the parking lot at the entrance to the village.
Tip
Go hungry: the cozido maragato is hearty. Walk through the village after lunch, looking at the gates and courtyards of the casas arrieiras.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castrillo de los Polvazares
Where is Castrillo de los Polvazares?
About 5 km west of Astorga, in the Maragatería region.
What to do in Castrillo de los Polvazares?
Walk the stone streets between the casas arrieiras and have cozido maragato for lunch at one of the village's restaurants.
Can you drive into Castrillo?
Not in the center, which is closed to cars. There is parking at the entrance to the village.