Juan de Salazar de Espinosa

Juan de Salazar de Espinosa is a monument in Medina de Pomar, a small town in the province of Burgos, in Spain's Castile and León region, honoring one of the area's most famous native sons — a 16th-century conquistador credited with founding the city that later became the capital of Paraguay.

Who does the monument commemorate?

Juan de Salazar y Espinosa (1508–1560) was a Spanish conquistador active during the early colonization of South America. His best-known achievement was founding Asunción, the settlement that eventually grew into Paraguay's capital. Medina de Pomar has long claimed him as a local hero, giving him a prominent spot in the town.

Where exactly is the monument located?

The bust stands in Plazuela del Carmen, a small square in the historic center of Medina de Pomar. It's an easy stop while exploring the town, just a short walk from other landmarks such as the Velasco family castle and the church of Santa Cruz.

Why is the monument controversial?

The inscription on the base states that the conquistador was born in Medina de Pomar. However, documents held at the Archivo General de Indias in Seville — including papers signed by Salazar himself — point instead to the nearby town of Espinosa de los Monteros, also in Burgos province, as his true birthplace. The dispute has run for years and still divides local historians and residents of both towns. The Medina de Pomar town council has actually relocated the statue more than once within the town, which only kept the debate alive.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Medina de Pomar is one of the most rewarding stops in Las Merindades, a scenic area in northern Burgos province known for Gothic churches, medieval castles and the gorges carved by the Ebro river. From Plazuela del Carmen, a short walk leads into the old town's stone streets, lined with noble houses and former convents. It's also a convenient base for visiting nearby Espinosa de los Monteros, the town so closely — if disputedly — tied to Salazar's own story.

How do you get there?

Medina de Pomar sits on the N-629 road, roughly an hour's drive north of Burgos. A car is the most practical way to get there, since bus connections from larger cities are infrequent. The monument itself stands in the pedestrian part of the town center, so once you arrive it's just a short walk from the main parking area.

When is the best time to visit?

Las Merindades has a mild mountain climate — summers are cooler here than in central Spain, and winters can be fairly harsh. Spring and early autumn are the best seasons to visit, offering comfortable temperatures for walking around town and the most colorful surrounding landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

Was Juan de Salazar really born in Medina de Pomar? There's no solid proof of that — archival records point instead to the neighboring town of Espinosa de los Monteros, even though the Medina de Pomar monument has long suggested otherwise.

What is Juan de Salazar de Espinosa known for? He was a Spanish conquistador who founded Asunción in the 16th century, the city that later became the capital of Paraguay.

Is there an entrance fee to see the monument? No, it stands in a public town square and can be visited free of charge at any time.

How much time should I plan for a visit? Seeing the monument itself takes only a few minutes, but it's worth pairing the visit with a stroll through Medina de Pomar's old town, which takes an hour or two.