What to see around
The Santo Domingo House of Spirituality is located in Caleruega, a village in the southern part of the Burgos province, 195 km from Madrid, 95 km from Burgos, and 25 km from Aranda de Duero. Situated at an altitude of 960 meters above sea level, this picturesque village serves as a gateway between the Ribera del Duero wine region and the Sierra de la Demanda mountain range.
The historical foundation of Caleruega dates back to the period between 912 and 1085, during the Reconquista of the Duero Valley, which was under Muslim control at the time. Around 1170–1174, Saint Dominic of Guzmán was born in this town, the son of Don Félix de Guzmán and Doña Juana de Aza, the lords of this small, fortified village. By that time, the town already had defensive walls, a parish church, and a watchtower.
Following Saint Dominic's canonization in 1234, and at the initiative of his brother Manés, a small church was built on the site of his birth. From that point forward, the monumental complex that now defines the village began to take shape, centered around the legacy of the founder of the Order of Preachers. Caleruega also boasts a serene natural environment, perfect for relaxation, and invites visitors to explore its beautiful landscapes and natural attractions.
For travel information on how to reach Caleruega, please refer to the Contact section.
What to see in Caleruega?
Caleruega is a renowned site of Dominican pilgrimage, attracting visitors from around the world to the birthplace of the founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominican Sisters and Friars). This village offers a unique opportunity to experience the spirituality of the Dominican Family, join in the contemplative prayer of the Dominican nuns, converse and pray with the Dominican friars, and walk the streets and fields once familiar to Saint Dominic.
Caleruega invites pilgrims and visitors to immerse themselves in its rich history, spiritual heritage, and the serene beauty of its surroundings.
Caleruega Guide
Caleruega: Birthplace of Saint Dominic of Guzmán.
More information: Download PDF guide 
Guided Tour
The monumental complex can be explored through guided tours offered almost year-round by the local tourism office for tourists and visitors, or by the House of Spirituality for groups of pilgrims or guests upon request.
Visitor Reception and Ticket Purchase: Tickets are handled by the Caleruega Tourism Office, located at C/ Obispo, nº 12, just a few meters from San Sebastián Square. The ticket price is €4 per person.
Tourism Office Hours:
Open from Friday to Sunday and on holidays:
- Morning: 10:00 to 14:00
- Afternoon: 15:00 to 18:00
Tour Schedules: The guided tour schedules vary depending on the season. For up-to-date information and details, please visit caleruega.es or call +34 695 672 266.
Highlights of the Monumental Complex:
Monastery of the Dominican Nuns
The Monastery of the Dominican Nuns was established by the order of King Alfonso X the Wise, who in 1270 (the centenary of Saint Dominic’s birth) transformed the ancestral home of the Guzmán-Aza family into a monastery. The king inaugurated it personally, granting the Dominican nuns stewardship over the Lordship of Caleruega so they could live and fulfill their mission as guardians of Saint Dominic's birthplace.
By the end of the 13th century, this feudal village had become home to an impressive monumental and familial heritage. The Monastery includes a 12th-century church and a cloister-museum, showcasing the various architectural stages of its history and featuring valuable works of sacred art. Noteworthy pieces include two 13th-century polychrome stone carvings of the Virgin Mary and the Angel of the Annunciation.
Visitors are also encouraged to enjoy the nuns' handmade sweets, crafted with 100% natural ingredients in their own bakery. More information at dominicascaleruega.org.
Church of San Sebastián
The Parish Church of San Sebastián, dating back to the early 12th century, is a fine example of Romanesque architecture. Key features of its original structure remain intact, including the tower, the entrance door, and a twin-arched window, as well as the apse-shaped presbytery within its interior.
The church is home to a stunning Romanesque crucifix positioned above the altar table. Notably, this is the church where Saint Dominic was baptized and where the Blessed Juana de Aza, his mother, was first interred.
For more information visit www.caleruega.es.
Guzmán Tower
The Torreón de los Guzmán is a rectangular tower standing at 17 meters high, with an imposing design reinforced by 2-meter-thick walls. Located within the Convent of Santo Domingo, the tower features four stories and has been repurposed as an exhibition hall.
Dating back to the 11th century, the tower was part of a network of defensive and surveillance structures along the Duero River Basin, built during the Reconquista. Together with the now-vanished Caleruega wall, it formed the defensive core of the town.
More information at www.caleruega.es.
Other points of interest include: The Fountain of the Stonemasons, Traditional Wine Cellars, the Farmer’s Monument, and the Lagar de Valdepinos Museum.
What to see around Caleruega?
The surroundings of Caleruega combine stunning natural beauty with a rich historical heritage. Located in the Ribera del Duero region, the area is surrounded by rolling landscapes, vineyards, and cultivated fields, with the Duero River adding freshness and vitality. The forests of oaks and holm oaks provide shade and shelter for a rich biodiversity. The region is also home to important historical sites, including::
- The Roman city of Clunia (12 km) and the Roman Villa of Santa Cruz in Baños de Valdearados (8 km).
- The Benedictine Monastery of Silos (19 km) with its famous cloister.
- Gumiel de Izán (20 km), Peñaranda de Duero (18 km), and Haza (45 km), where medieval heritage and Moorish-influenced wooden ceilings meet Renaissance palaces, Baroque doorways, and Neoclassical altarpieces.
- Aranda de Duero (25 km) and the wineries of Ribera del Duero.
- The Monastery of La Vid (28 km).
- The Gothic historical-artistic ensemble of the town of Covarrubias (36 km).
- The Sierra de la Demanda (40 km).
- Lerma, a noble and conventual town representing the Herrerian style (46 km).
We offer our Hospedería for those wishing to rest for a few days, enjoying both our natural and cultural surroundings.
Routes for Meditation and Nature Contemplation
Meditation, nature, art, history, and wineries just a step away from Caleruega::
- Routes for Meditation and Nature Contemplation: Discover peaceful trails that lead through the beautiful landscapes of Caleruega, where you can enjoy moments of reflection while surrounded by nature. These routes offer the perfect setting for quiet walks and meditation.
- Tourism and Leisure in Caleruega: Explore the charm of the village of Caleruega, with its rich history, artistic treasures, and the peaceful surroundings that invite relaxation. Visitors can enjoy historical sites, the Dominican spirituality, and local traditions.
- Camino de Santo Domingo (The Way of Saint Dominic): Follow the path that commemorates the footsteps of Saint Dominic, guiding pilgrims and visitors through historic landmarks and places of spiritual significance connected to the life of the founder of the Dominican Order.
- Camino del Cid (The Way of the Cid): This historic route traces the journey of the legendary Spanish hero, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, also known as El Cid. The path passes through scenic landscapes and important cultural landmarks that narrate the story of his time.
- Ruta del Vino en la Ribera del Duero (Wine Route in Ribera del Duero): Embark on a wine-tasting adventure through the famous Ribera del Duero wine region. Explore its vineyards, learn about its winemaking tradition, and taste some of the best wines in Spain while surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
