Frías: La Ciudad Medieval Encantada en lo Alto del Cerro de La Muela

1. El Castillo de los Duques de Frias
2. La Iglesia de San Vicente Mártir
3. El puente medieval de Frias
4. Un tesoro en lo alto de Burgos

One of the most protected jewels of the province of Burgos and considered the smallest city in Spain, Frias captivates visitors with its medieval architecture, majestic castle and historic streets. Located on the mountain of La Muela in the Las Merindades region, this small neighborhood has managed to retain its medieval identity and essence, becoming a unique tourist destination in Castile and León.

El Castillo de los Duques de Frias

One of the most representative features of Frías is the magnificent castle called El Castillo de los Duques de Frías or Castillo de Velasco. Built on the top of La Muela mountain, this 12th century castle was a strategic fortress in its time due to its high position and outstanding panorama. Its role as a defensive pillar was very important as it controlled the territory and protected the townspeople from potential aggression. Con el paso de los siglos, this majestic structure expanded and strengthened, becoming an almost invisible wall.

La fortaleza attracts attention not only for its durability, but also for its structure. The castle defense also surrounded the villa, while a second lower defense protected the houses built directly on the rock. Today, these traces are still present and can be identified at their three main entrances: Puerta de Medina, Puerta del Postigo and Puerta de La Cadena. These entrances preserve the charm of their time and allow the tourist to enter the medieval past of Frias.

La Iglesia de San Vicente Mártir

Near the castle, on the edge of a rocky hill, there is another very valuable landmark: the church of San Vicente Mártir. This temple, edificado en un estilo gótico, retains great charm both for its location and for the precious jewels it holds inside. Inside the church, tourists have the opportunity to see several Gothic and Renaissance chapels, an artistic combination that reflects the historical and cultural transformation of the area.

Among the altarpieces that decorate the interior of the church, one stands out: the altarpiece of the Renaissance artist Juan de Borgoña, designed in the 16th century. This retablo is an outstanding representative of the Spanish trend of Renaissance painting and provides an artistic nuance that enhances the architectural appeal of the church. The presence of this artistic work makes the Church of San Vicente Mártir an indispensable place for art and history lovers.

El puente medieval de Frias

At the bottom of Frías, the fortified medieval bridge is one of the most prominent sights. Built over the Ebro River, this bridge is 139 meters long and has nine arches supporting it. A distinctive feature of this bridge is the defense tower at its heart, which not only provides an attractive feature, but also serves as a reminder of its role as a defensive structure.

Originally fortified, the bridge played an important role in connecting the Frias with adjacent areas and ensuring safe river crossing. Its construction is made of stone, and its strength has managed to keep it standing for centuries, overcoming the challenges of time and the changing trajectory of the Ebro River. While passing through it, the tourist can observe the daily life of the medieval villa and imagine the movement of merchants and travelers who crossed this bridge in the past.

Un tesoro en lo alto de Burgos

Frías has managed to adapt to the times without compromising its medieval essence with its toba and wood architecture that maximizes the limited space it occupies. Its shape, with its towering fortress and stone-covered houses, creates an incomparable postcard, especially in the morning, when the city looks like a deep-rooted dream.

The preservation of the architectural heritage, medieval architecture and charming corners make Frias an indispensable place for visitors from Burgos who want to explore a site full of history, beauty and authenticity. Thanks to its environment and heritage, Frías has managed to establish itself as one of the most interesting tourist destinations in Castilla y León, representing a window into the past and an architectural jewel that shines in the present.