A city that can be seen from the distance at Calzada Colimbriana

After days of isolation, it feels good to enter a city, walk through its streets, talk to its inhabitants, stop at the Plaza Mayor and enjoy the urban environment. Ciudad Rodrigo emerges from the flat, arid landscape, first as a solitary element on the horizon, then as a relevant fortification overlooking the Águeda River. Once you see the contours of its walls, you realise that you are before a city full of history, keeper of borders fought hard for over the centuries.

In the Middle Ages, the road that linked Salamanca to Ciudad Rodrigo was known as Calzada Colimbriana, because it was the easiest way to get to Coimbra (as it still is today, but along tarmac roads).

The way to Ciudad Rodrigo is difficult and lonely. You must stock up at Bocacara, as there will be no support services for more than 15 km between oak trees and arid roads surrounding the Peronilla mountain. After Pedro Toro, turn left to a dirt track leading to the Our Lady of Penha de França chapel. It is the last reference point before entering the city.