Burgos information
Lerma information
Lerma is located on top of a hill that dominates
the Arlanza river valley. Dating back to pre-Roman times, the
village reached its maximum splendour under the rule of the Duke
of Lerma, favourite of Phillip III between 1598 and 1618.
The stately appearance of the historic quarter can be seen, for
example, in the majestic Ducal Palace, which at present houses
the Parador de Turismo. It was erected between 1601 and 1617 by
Francisco de Mora. With sober and elegant lines, this building
is flanked by four angular towers. Across from the palace we see
the huge Ducal square, which used to be fully arcaded. The most
remarkable building there is the collegiate church of San Pedro,
which overlooks the Arlanza river. It dates from the beginning
of the 17th century and is connected to the Ducal Palace through
a projecting passage. Although the exterior appearance is quite
austere, inside the temple we find a valuable praying statue of
archbishop Cristóbal de Rojas y Sandoval, the duke's uncle, owed
to Juan de Arfe. The 1616 organ found here is one of the oldest
in Spain. Also worthy of note are the hermitage of La Piedad;
the monasteries of San Blas, of Madre de Dios, and of La Ascensión
de Nuestra Señora, all three from the 17th century; and
the arch of Cárcel, gate to the ancient medieval wall,
remodelled by the Duke of Lerma, and turned into a prison.
Oficina de Turismo: Calle Audiencia, 6
9340 Lerma (Burgos)
Tel. +34 947177002
Source: Web server of Instituto de Turismo de España, TURESPAÑA.