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.
Burgos guide