Thanks to the wealth of heritage that we have on the Ribera del Duero Wine Route, there are a multitude of perfect plans for all tastes and for all ages.

In keeping with the motto #LaRiberadeTodos, today we would like to invite you to discover three municipalities, Caleruega, Gumiel de Izán and Guzmán, which have joined forces to create the project “Santo Domingo Faro de Espiritualidad” (Santo Domingo Beacon of Spirituality).

The Santo Domingo de Guzmán tourist route not only promotes the legacy of one of the most influential religious figures in history, but also the rich cultural heritage of three towns in this land.

We tell you how you can follow this route, what you will be able to see and the advantages of digitalising the resources in an app.

The beginnings of the project

This project was launched in 2022 with the organisation of a familiarisation trip that gave people the chance to get to know first-hand the key points of the route, such as the church of Gumiel de Izán, known as the “Spanish Petra”, which currently receives between 700 and 1000 visitors every weekend .

This type of initiative helps to promote the internal resources within the route and allows tourists to make themed visits that are tailored to their interests.

A digital application for the tourism of the future

The second phase of the project has been the creation of an app designed with the needs of today’s travellers in mind.

In order to adapt to the needs of new tourists, the promoters of the route have created a mobile application that is “one hundred percent visual, intuitive, online and simple”. Since not everyone has the same digital skills, the design took into account that people with all kinds of profiles should be able to use it.

The app has 55 quick guide points and 5 full 3D panoramic views of important places in the life of this historical figure within these municipalities. In this way, users can explore the life of Santo Domingo and the cultural treasures of the municipalities in an interactive way.

Another of the advantages of this application is that it is geolocated and there are plans to install a warning device on the A-1 so that tourists can access the information directly from their mobile phones.

Heritage, Technology and Spirituality

The “Santo Domingo Faro de Espiritualidad” project aims to disseminate the artistic, religious and cultural heritage of these villages that are linked to the life of the saint. Let’s take a brief look at each of them.

Caleruega

Santo Domingo de Guzmán and Caleruega are connected in a way that goes beyond the historical; today, walking through the village and meeting the people who live there, you can feel as if Domingo’s soul had never left his homeland. He was born in this Burgos town in 1170, and although his life took him to many places, the mark he left here lives on.

In the 13th century, King Alfonso X decided to honour the founder of the Dominican Order by building a manor that has become the artistic and historical heart of the town. This complex is the epicentre from which all the charm of Caleruega unfolds.

Here you can explore the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, the Convent and the imposing Torreón de los Guzmán, each with its own story to tell. But Caleruega is much more than its Dominican roots. You can lose yourself in hiking routes surrounded by nature, discover archaeological sites, and enjoy the oldest underground wine cellar in the Designation of Origin.

Don’t forget to visit the Church of the Dominican Mothers and the Parish Church of San Sebastián, two jewels that complete the experience in this charming village.

Gumiel de Izán

The history of Gumiel de Izán dates back to Roman times, and it has grown to become the spectacular municipality that we find today. Its relationship with Santo Domingo de Guzmán is due to the fact that he lived there for several years.

This village was declared a historic-artistic site in 2003. Its popular architecture is reminiscent of other villages in the Ribera del Duero such as Peñafiel and is the perfect place to visit, from the traditional wine presses to the majestic church of Santa María, known as the “Spanish Petra”.

Guzmán

High on the vigorous moors rising from the river Duero, lies Guzmán, a small village with a great history. It is here that the paternal family of Santo Domingo de Guzmán was born.

Guzmán’s past is marked by key historical moments. In 1069, King Don Sancho II granted the village to the monastery of San Pedro de Arlanza, which made it a focus of Benedictine influence. In the 14th century, Guzmán achieved the status of villa, freeing itself from the Lordship and obtaining its own jurisdiction. Today, it is a Minor Local Entity, but its historical essence remains intact.

The town has two architectural gems that you cannot miss: the parish church of San Juan Bautista and the majestic Palacio de los Guzmanes, both of which have been declared Sites of Cultural Interest.

The Future of the Project

The third phase of the project is due to be presented at FITUR in Madrid and will consolidate this route as one of the most important tourist resources in the area.

With this initiative, the towns of Caleruega, Gumiel de Izán and Guzmán not only seek to spread the life and legacy of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, but also to boost tourism in the region.