Castilla y Leon - The largest region of Spain!
Castilla y Leon is one of the seventeen autonomous communities of Spain. It was the result of the unification between Old Castile and Leon in 1983.
Castilla y Leon is not only the largest region of Spain, but is also the largest region of all the European Union. The elevated plain is limited by the the mountain ranges Sistema Iberico to the east, Cordillera Central to the south, Cordillera Cantabrica to the north and by Duero river towards Portugal.
The region is divided into the following nine provinces which boast the largest number of medieval castles in the world: Avila, Burgos, Leon, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid and Zamora.
Some of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe and historic cities, which could be compared to living museums are found in Castilla y Leon. Provinces such as Segovia, Salamanca and Avila have been given World Heritage Status as well as the Santiago Way, which is the famous pilgrims trail which traverses Castilla y Leon en route to the Galician capital of Santiago de Compsotela.
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.