Villar del Río

Highlights the Church of Our Lady of the Vado (16th century), Gothic temple with a single nave, Renaissance altarpiece, and a Romanesque sculpture from the 13th century.

The Vicente Marín Foundation brings together a large collection of painting, sculpture, and decorative arts in several buildings, with works by artists such as Murillo, Sorolla, Juan de Juni, or Salzillo, in addition to Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance sculptures. Its library preserves valuable manuscripts and facsimiles such as the Bible of the Crusaders and the Beatus of El Burgo de Osma.

In Villar del Río, the celebrations of Holy Week stand out, with the rite of “the aleluyas” and the burning of Judas. The main festivities, dedicated to Saint Philomena and Saint John, take place from August 28 to 31, with traditions such as singing the peseta, dressing the chopo, the procession, the rosco, and the distribution of zurracapote. On August 30, Saint Philomena is celebrated, with a procession and auction of the banzos.

The cuisine of Villar del Río follows the mountain tradition of Tierras Altas, based on local products and hearty dishes. The cured meats, Sorian blood sausages, stews of lamb and game, shepherd's crumbs, caldereta, and pickled dishes stand out. In pastry, the typical items are ring-shaped pastries, French toasts, and artisanal sweets that accompany the town's festivities.