© Shutterstock

Welcome to Frías -

Frías is a charming medieval town hidden away in the province of Burgos in Castile and León, northern Spain. Except it isn't a town at all. Instead, this is Spain's smallest city.

© Shutterstock

A population of few -

Set on a hill above the Ebro River, Frías counts a population of just over 250 souls and is more mountain hamlet than thriving metropolis. So what's with the city tag? Well, it's an interesting story.

© Shutterstock

Sancho III of Pamplona -

In the 10th century CE, Frías was incorporated into the kingdom of Navarre, in Burgos province. Navarre was controlled by Sancho III of Pamplona, also known as Sancho the Great.

© Getty Images

Alfonso VIII of Castile -

Navarre would later be reincorporated into Castille and by the early 1200s was under the rule of Alfonso VIII. The King of Castille granted Frías a number of concessions, affording its people the right of succession and equipping the community with agricultural implements to farm the land. As a result, the town's economy flourished.

© Getty Images

John II of Castile -

In 1435, Frías, by now a comparatively wealthy hub of trade and commerce, was granted the title of city by a suitably impressed John II of Castile. This status is still upheld to this day.

© Shutterstock

Must-see landmarks -

Visiting Frías is to step back into the Middle Ages. The most obvious historic landmark is the town's castle.

© Shutterstock

The castle -

Enjoying a privileged outlook over the Tobalina valley, the castle, once the home of the dukes of Frías, was completed in the last years of the 12th century. It's one of the most remarkable rock castles found anywhere in Spain.

© Shutterstock

The tower keep -

The tower keep can be visited, and affords outstanding panoramic views of the town below and the surrounding countryside.

© Shutterstock

Not such a stronghold -

And here's a warning from history: the castle tower hasn't always stood the test of time. In fact, it's partially collapsed at least three times, the most recent being in 1830, resulting in the deaths of around 30 people.

© Shutterstock

Hanging houses -

The old medieval center boasts an extraordinary collection of hanging houses (casas colgadas).

© Shutterstock

Picturesque abodes -

These lofty townhouses, some up to five floors tall, literally rise from bedrock, their limestone and timber walls lending the cityscape a picturesque yesteryear quality.

© Shutterstock

Medieval bridge -

Another iconic Frías landmark is the medieval bridge that spans the Ebro. Replete with nine arches, the bridge dates back to the 13th century.

© Shutterstock

Defensive measure -

In the 14th century, the bridge was refurbished to include a defensive tower with arrowslits and battlements. However, the structure mostly served as a toll bridge.

© NL Beeld

Church of San Vicente -

A fine example of Gothic architecture, the 13th-century Church of San Vicente is another of the emblematic monuments of Frías.

© Shutterstock

Ecclesiastical sightseeing -

After admiring the exterior, especially the impressive bell tower, nip inside and marvel at the Renaissance altarpiece.

© NL Beeld

Exploring the historic center -

The historic center of Frías is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and narrow alleys. It's here that the Jewish quarter was located, on calle Convenio and calle Virgen de la Candonga.

© Shutterstock

Working up an appetite -

For the hungry traveler, Frías has one or two outstanding gastronomic hotspots guaranteed to whet your appetite. Authentic Castilian cuisine is served up in a number of restaurants known for their rustic appeal and traditional atmosphere.

© Getty Images

Morcones -

Typical of regional fare is morcones, a sausage similar to chorizo but larger in size and with a longer curing process. It's a delicious combo of pork meat, paprika, garlic, and salt. The intense flavor works well with a full-bodied red wine.

© Shutterstock

Sheep's cheese -

Another traditional product is sheep's cheese. Produced in a time-honored manner, this artisanal treat exudes a heightened and slightly spicy flavor.

© Shutterstock

Las Merindades honey -

Las Merindades honey has been produced in Frías for centuries. The honey is obtained from the bees that forage in the fields of wildflowers surrounding the town, and the flavor is quite unique and oh so sweet. Las Merindades honey is used in both sweet and savory dishes.

© Shutterstock

Out and about -

It's worth spending a few days in Frías to absorb its truly beguiling character. But the town also serves as a convenient base from which to explore further afield.

© Shutterstock

Tobera waterfalls -

Tobera is known as the village with a thousand waterfalls. Fed by the Molinar River, these sparkling, cascading water features help identify this delightful pocket of Burgos.

© Shutterstock

Santa Maria de la Hoz shrine -

Tobera is also where you can admire the Santa Maria de la Hoz shrine. This attractive little church is reached via a medieval bridge and marks the entrance to the waterfalls.

© Getty Images

Ebro Canyon -

The more adventurous can explore the rugged beauty of the Ebro Canyon or the Obarenes Mountains. Both blessed with jaw-dropping landscapes, these destinations are favored by seasoned hikers and rock climbers.

© Shutterstock

Cycling the Castilian countryside -

Did you know that you can rent a bike out of Frías? Cycling the Burgos countryside is another wholly rewarding way of discovering the region beyond the 'city.'

© NL Beeld

Oña -

Make an effort to visit nearby Oña. Just 30 minutes away by vehicle, this pleasant town is the location of the splendid 11th-century Benedictine monastery of San Salvador de Oña.

© Shutterstock

Making tracks -

More hiking opportunities present themselves a short jaunt out of Onã at El Sendero de la Cerrada del Rio Castril o de las Pasarelas Raíces de Castilla. Yep, that's quite a mouthful, but you'll be following one of the most celebrated walking trails in northern Spain.

© NL Beeld

Poza de la Sal -

Spare time, too, to check out scenic Poza de la Sal. Famous for its salt pans, this picturesque village, seen here from its medieval castle, is another destination with a fine reputation for local cuisine.

© Shutterstock

Raíces de Castilla Commonwealth -

In fact, Frías, Oña, and Poza de la Sal belong to what's known as the Raíces de Castilla Commonwealth. The three destinations are promoted as one to highlight the region's rich medieval legacy.

Sources: (Spain.info) (Fascinating Spain) (Raíces de Castilla) (City Population) 

See also: Picturesque towns in Europe you won't believe exist

© Getty Images