The town of Burgos with an incredible thousand-year-old monastery

The province of Burgos is full of fascinating towns with charming corners; it's no wonder seven Burgos towns are included in the list of "The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain." One of the municipalities that could be included in this prestigious list is the town of Oña, located in northern Castile and León, whose urban center is home to countless wonders that make it incredibly special.

Nestled in the La Bureba region, this stunning village, crossed by the Oca River, is a haven of peace and an ideal rural tourism destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities. It also boasts one of the region's greatest treasures: an impressive monastery with over a thousand years of history. In fact, the entire village has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest, which already reveals its undeniable beauty.

Oña, a medieval treasure in northern Castile and León

The town of Oña has fewer than a thousand inhabitants, but it is nonetheless a medieval paradise, with almost every corner steeped in an incredible history dating back many years. The town's heyday began in the 10th century, and the following century, specifically in 1011, the magnificent Monastery of San Salvador was founded, one of the most spectacular monasteries still standing in Burgos.

This magnificent monument is the town's great emblem, and for good reason. Its 12th-century church (renovated in the 15th century) and its stunning cloister are some of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the area, but walking through the entire monastery complex is like embarking on an artistic and architectural journey that features gems such as Flamboyant Gothic paintings and the tombs of Sancho II and Sancho II.

Of course, the surprises Oña has in store for its visitors don't end at the monastery. In the town center of Burgos, visitors will also find treasures such as the Church of San Juan Bautista and the old Jewish quarter, as well as the bucolic and ancient Benedictine gardens (the order that inhabited the monastery for centuries).

Thus, the best thing to do in Oña is to stroll through each and every street of its beautiful historic center, soaking up the medieval essence that permeates this Burgos town. Plus, along the way, you'll discover the occasional palatial house with coat of arms, making it an ideal destination for history lovers.

The nature surrounding Oña and how to get to the town

Those visiting Oña should keep in mind that the attractions are not only located in the town itself, but that the village is surrounded by wonderful nature, as perfectly exemplified by the Oca River Walk, a four-kilometer hiking trail that runs near the stream and takes trekking enthusiasts into impressive gorges.

To discover all the charms of Oña and its surroundings, those traveling from the city of Burgos (about 57 kilometers away) should take the AP-1 to Briviesca, where they will turn onto the CL-632 and join the N-232, which leads directly to the town. The journey takes less than an hour.