Terradillos de los Templarios

Terradillos de los Templarios, nestled in the Vega-Valdavia region, Provincia de Palencia, is a village that, despite its small size, holds notable historical and cultural richness. Its ties to the Order of the Temple and its strategic position on the Camino Frances make it a point of interest for pilgrims and scholars of medieval heritage.

What to see in Terradillos de los Templarios?

History of Terradillos de los Templarios

The origins of Terradillos de los Templarios date back to the 6th century AD, with evidence of a Roman settlement in the area. However, its historical importance grew during the Middle Ages, when King Alfonso VIII of Castile granted the village to the Order of the Temple in 1191. From then on, it became a Templar lordship, playing a significant role in protecting and assisting the pilgrims traveling the Camino de Santiago.

Over the centuries, Terradillos underwent various administrative changes. After the fall of the Ancien Régime, it was established as a constitutional municipality in 1842. It later absorbed several neighboring villages, and in 1916, by royal decree, it officially adopted the name Terradillos de los Templarios.

Architectural Heritage

Church of San Pedro

The village’s main monument is the Church of San Pedro, a single-nave church built of brick, a material typical of the region. Although it was rebuilt in the 19th century, it retains original elements in its tower. Inside, notable features include a 14th-century Gothic Christ figure and two altarpieces: the main one from the 17th century, and a Baroque one from the 18th century.

Legend of the Hen with the Golden Eggs

One of the most fascinating legends associated with Terradillos de los Templarios is that of the hen with the golden eggs. According to tradition, every year the priest of the now-vanished parish of San Esteban would carry a golden egg to Santiago de Compostela as an offering. One day, in Compostela, they asked for the hen itself instead of the eggs. To keep it from being taken away, the priest and the Templars decided to bury it on the Torbosillo hill, near the route of the Camino de Santiago.

Terradillos on the Camino de Santiago

Terradillos de los Templarios lies on the Camino Frances. Located 375.6 km from Santiago, it is a regular stopping point for pilgrims seeking rest and reflection. The village offers hostels and services tailored to walkers’ needs, keeping alive the hospitality tradition that dates back to the Templar era.

Geography and Demographics

Located on a small rise on the boundary between the Provincia de Palencia and the Provincia de León, Terradillos de los Templarios is part of the municipality of Lagartos. According to the 2022 municipal register, it has 60 inhabitants, 33 men and 27 women.

Transport and Communications

The village is connected by the Camino de Santiago Motorway (A-231) and the N-120 national road, which provide access from León and Burgos. Although it has no railway station of its own, the nearest one is in Sahagún, 12 kilometers away, on the Venta de Baños-Gijón line.