Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Manzano

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Manzano is a Catholic church in Castrojeriz, in the province of Burgos, also known by the name Iglesia de Santa María del Manzano. It stands right at the foot of the hill topped by the ruins of Castrojeriz Castle, which together form one of the most recognizable views in this part of Castile.

Who founded the church?

Work on the current building started in 1214, funded through the will of Queen Berengaria of Castile. She was the daughter of Alfonso VIII of Castile and the mother of Ferdinand III of Castile, placing her right at the center of the Castilian royal family of the period. The founding of this church fits into a broader pattern of royal patronage behind religious buildings across the region in the 13th century.

What rank did the church hold?

For a period, the building held the rank of a collegiate church, meaning a chapter of canons was attached to it and shared in its liturgical life, rather than a single parish priest running things alone. That status placed the building higher up the ecclesiastical ladder of the area and signals that medieval Castrojeriz was a religious center of real weight, not merely a small stop along the way.

Where exactly does the church stand?

The church sits within Castrojeriz itself, at the base of the castle hill. Its coordinates are roughly 42.2928°N, -4.1278°W. Because of this position — right beneath the silhouette of the fortress ruins — the church and the castle read as a single, easily spotted landmark long before you actually reach the town.

What is useful to know before visiting?

Anyone passing through Castrojeriz can use the hill and the church as a shared point of reference: spot the castle ruins on the skyline, and the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Manzano will be right there at its base. Since the building's founding dates back to the early 13th century, it counts among the oldest surviving structures in the town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who built Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Manzano? Construction of the present building began in 1214, funded through the will of Queen Berengaria of Castile, daughter of Alfonso VIII and mother of Ferdinand III.

Is the church known by any other name? Yes, it is also referred to as Iglesia de Santa María del Manzano.

How does the church relate to the castle in Castrojeriz? It stands at the foot of the hill on which the castle ruins sit, so both landmarks appear together in the same view.

Did the church ever hold a higher ecclesiastical status? Yes, it previously held the rank of a collegiate church, with a chapter of canons attached to it.