Castilla y Leon region, which was originally made up of the former
kingdoms of Castile and is one of Spain's 17 Autonomous Communities, distributed in 9
provinces.Castilla y Leon is not only the largest region of Spain, but as well the
largest region of all the European Union.
It was established as an autonomous region in
1983. This region rests on the elevated central plateau and is traversed by the
Douro river.
Situated in north-western Spain, humid and green, it is the
largest region in Europe, with an area of 94,193 Km2, and a
population of more than 2.5 millon inhabitants. The main economical activities
are agriculture, energy (hydraulic and thermic power), automobile industry, the
agro-food sector and the development of tourism to exploit the potential of its
natural environment and cultural heritage.
Castilla y Leon came together in 1983, when the regions of Castilla la Vieja and
Leon were united. Both have been central areas of Spanish medieval history, and
the importance during that epoch is still evident in many cathedrals,
monasteries, castles and fortificated towns, many of which are preserved in
perfect state. Apart of its great monumental patrimony, Castilla y Leon offers
as well natural parks and kilometers of practically virginal nature, with woods
of oaks and cork-oaks.
Castilla y León offers a wide range of leisure activities,
from its impressive artistic and historical heritage (the largest in Spain) in
the form of cathedrals, museums, heritage cities and castles, to many types of
sport, including hunting, fishing, waters sports, etc. all set in a beautiful
countryside. The traditional gastronomy of Castilla y Leon is known for its
delicious roasts: lamb, kid, pork, partridge, the selection of cured air dried Iberian
ham & Spanish sausage (chorizo), as well as for the trouts and
cheeses. Ribera del Duero makes
exceptional red wines.
Gastronomy is distinguished by excellent meat, in particular of lamb, and
vegetables like the famous creamy beans of Avila. Artisany and popular
celebrations show a rich and varied folklore, often of archaic roots and
almost unknown to a wider public.