The sky of the medieval village of Valladolid of Tiedra will shine in a special way under one of the biggest star showers of the year
December is the month of the Geminids. From Saturday 7 to Tuesday 17, the sky will be filled with these meteorites that annually detach from the tail of the asteroid Phaeton, when it is in its orbit with the Earth, and enter at great speed in the atmosphere, offering a great show, similar to the Perseids in August, also called Tears of San Lorenzo. The highlight of this star shower, according to experts, will be the weekend of December 13-15, when it is estimated that more than 120 stars can be seen per hour during the night (between 1 and 2 h .), as long as it is in an adequate environment and without much light pollution.
One of those ideal places is Tiedra, a tiny town in the province of Valladolid (with about 300 inhabitants), 30 km from Tordesillas, which stands out for its enormous cultural and monumental heritage, headed by a 12th-century fortress, and to house an important Astronomical Center , which takes advantage of the clarity of the Castilian sky in the area to bring astronomy to all audiences. Located on the outskirts of the town, the space has a planetarium, an outside agora and two observatories with telescopes. It is the only one in Castilla y León with these characteristics and in it visitors can enjoy the sky both during the day, with observations of the Sun, and at night.
Those interested in not missing detail of this show of shooting stars and know more about the event have an appointment at the center mentioned on Saturday night December 14, from 8 pm. The guided activity begins with a tour of the planetarium, continues with a session at the observatory to see with the telescopes the objects that travel through the space and includes a special dinner, with the subsequent departure to the outside (at 23 h.) To enjoy in the agora of the Geminids show , accommodated in reclining benches (it is essential to take warm clothes and blankets). To participate in this activity it is necessary to book (40 euros) on the telephone 983 03 80 41 (more information here). If you can not attend that day, another option is to go downtown any other night in December, within the guided night tours offered by the site, and trust to see the shooting stars (15 euros, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm .; reservations on tel .: 983 03 80 41).
Looking at the sky
There is also the possibility of doing it for free and camping in the moor next to the castle of the town, its most emblematic enclave, located in a small high just a few steps outside Tiedra. Spending part of the night under a 12th-century fortress (built on a first construction of the 10th century, which is cited in the Cantar del Mío Cid ) can be an idyllic plan for the bravest (or less chilly). The castle is dominated by a 33-meter tribute tower, completely surrounded by a courtyard, where the stables, kitchens or bedrooms were located. The site is visitable and, in addition to the aforementioned dependencies, the basement-dungeon is crossed and the impressive rooftop viewpoint is accessed, from where you can see incredible views of the Castilian countryside (2 euros; from December to March only It can be accessed by prior reservation.More information at https://tiedra.es).
In addition to observing the sky, it is worth taking a walk through this small town that, from the Middle Ages, was a currency of frequent change in the alliances of kings, nobles, bishops and lords for its strategic location. The center of the town and main meeting point is the Plaza Mayor , surrounded by traditional arcades. Its origins date from the sixteenth century and is dominated by the town hall building, 1866 with a peculiar eclectic style. In its origins it housed the medical consultation, the schools, the sheriff's house, the dungeons, the court and the archive. Subsequently, much of the upper floor became the casino and recreational circle for the wealthiest neighbors.
Another must-see is the Hermitage of Our Lady of Old Tiedra , next to an old inn from the 16th century. It is also located on the outskirts of the town and is reached by a signposted road. Inside houses a baroque altarpiece and organ.
Where to sleep
Andrea's Casona | Road Tiedra-San Cebrián, Km 1, Tiedra | tel .: 983 78 06 14 | from 70 euros. Surrounded by countryside, this charming country house, which fuses typical elements of Castilian architecture, is located two kilometers from the town of Tiedra. It has the Hoyo de la Perdiz School and the Solero Equestrian Center, where riding lessons are offered. It also includes the restaurant Los Fogones de Mi Madre , with typical Castilian food and stunning views over Castilla.
The Sacristan Panera | Calle Real, s / n | tel .: 983 79 16 32 | 120 euros / two nights. Cozy rural house with two floors of stone, tapial and wood restored from a construction of the late eighteenth century. Located in the center of town, a few steps from the Town Hall, it has all the comforts and its decoration includes remains of the old building. It has two rooms.
Alamar Rural Cottage | Calle oro, 2, Tiedra | tel .: 629 873 125 | from 23 euros. Farmhouse in the center of town with two centuries old, renovated with stone walls and nine rooms. It has a cellar, excavated in rock, a spa, a hot tub and an extensive garden with fruit trees, picnic area and poultry. The property offers bicycle rental service to its guests.
Where to eat
The roasts of lamb and tostón are traditional in the gastronomy of the area, as well as the sausages, the cecina, the stews and the marinade of the slaughter. In addition to the aforementioned Los Fogones de Mi Madre, Tiedra has two other restaurants. El Refugio (Ronda, 20. Tel .: 983 79 14 10) offers traditional homemade food in abundant portions. Its cecina and goat cheese salad, its Iberian appetizers and any of its desserts are worth it. At the foot of the town's castle, El Molino de Tiedra (Hermitage, 6. Tel .: 983 79 14 21) is an inn with homemade weekend menus, including cheeks, rabbit stew or cod, among other dishes . For lovers of sweets, the puff pastry of the Widow of Lisardo Bragado are typical of the town. To try them, a visit to the workshop Puff Pastry and Tiedra Sweets (Posito, 4. Tel .: 983 79 14 06) is required.
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