The medieval town that rests inside a crater, with a 14th century fortress palace in the heart of Castile

If we tell you that there is a Spanish town that has it all: castle, walls, emblazoned houses and even a huge crater, you will think that we have taken it from a fantasy movie. But it exists and it is in Burgos, located on a huge salt diapir unique in all of Europe. In addition, it is the hometown of one of the biggest celebrities in our country: Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente.

Poza de la Sal is a fortified town from the Middle Ages that still has its walls and stone houses and reddish roofs standing. You have to park in the lower area and walk up to Plaza Nueva. Along the way you will cross the Conjuradero gate that crosses the walls and you will understand why this place has been declared a Historical-Artistic Site: it seems frozen in time.

This magnificent portal is the entrance to a network of alleys and traditional Burgos architecture without parallel, full of hidden squares, passages covered with wooden beams, facades with exposed beams and noble coats of arms decorating every corner. Among the most notable buildings is the church of San Cosmas and San Damiano, a 14th century Gothic temple with a baroque façade that has become the heart of the town.

This church is located in the Plaza Nueva, just like the Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente Interpretation Center and the Town Hall, in a beautiful 16th century building. There are several restaurants right there where you can enjoy blood sausage and lamb, the most legendary dishes in the area. You can also visit the environmentalist's birthplace, but only from the outside and without accessing the interior.

If we continue walking north we will reach the Castillo de los Rojas. This 14th century fortress stands imposingly on the rocks to protect the town from possible attacks. Under his watchful eye stretches the salt crater that gives name, profession and fame to this rural corner of Burgos.

Red Castle

We have saved the best for last, because near the castle is the Las Salinas Interpretation Center, the 18th century wash houses and the enormous crater. In reality, it is a salt diapir that embraces the entire town and has been exploited since Roman times. This geological wonder is the largest and most perfect in Europe, forming a concentric circle that has become a mecca for geologists around the world.

To enjoy this spectacle of nature, the ideal is to go to the Balcón de La Bureba, a viewpoint on the opposite side of the crater with panoramic views of the town. However, the City Council is currently working on a 6-kilometer hiking route to explore this enormous salt cellar, named an Asset of Cultural Interest.