Peñaranda de Duero

The area was originally settled by Arévacos and Vascones peoples. Following its reconquest from Muslim forces, the castle served as a frontier post against Muslim armies across the Duero River. The town later formed part of the Clunia district, then San Esteban de Gormaz.

Noble families controlled the settlement through the centuries - first Prince Pedro, son of Sancho IV, and his wife María de Aragón, then passing to the House of Avellaneda under Alfonso XI's reign. The marriage of Aldonza de Avellaneda to Diego López de Zúñiga united two lineages, with their descendants becoming the Dukes of Peñaranda.

The castle dominates the town from its hilltop position. Originally built during repopulation efforts by Fernán González, it was completely reformed later. The keep tower rises above remaining wall sections, offering views over the town and Santa Ana church toward the Arandilla valley.

Two of three original wall gates survive from medieval fortifications. The Palace of the Counts of Miranda, commissioned by Francisco de Zúñiga Avellaneda y Velasco, features a noble courtyard with double gallery and decorated rooms with coffered ceilings. The Ambassador's Hall contains an ornate fireplace and musicians' gallery.

A Gothic pillory stands in the central plaza. The Santa Ana church, begun in 1540, displays a baroque facade with three Roman busts from Clunia and houses a neoclassical altarpiece and carved walnut choir. The Jimeno pharmacy museum represents one of Spain's oldest working pharmacies.

Additional sites include the Carmen Convent and Remedios hermitage.