The small northwestern Spanish town of Zamora is world-famous as a ‘living museum of Romanesque art’. Located on a hill in the Castile-Leon region, the town has no fewer than 24 beautiful churches dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, the finest of which is the town’s massive cathedral.

If ancient churches are your thing, this is the town for you. If not, cheap car hire in Zamora Rail Station will take you at your convenience to the region’s many historic and lovely areas, beaches and charming towns and villages in comfort, or even across the border into nearby Portugal.

Of the 24 superb examples of Romanesque religious architecture in Zamora, the magnificent cathedral is the most impressive. The church of San Claudio de Olivares with its 12th century carved pillars and the grand Palacio de los Condes de Alba y Aliste are well worth a visit, as are the ancient city walls.

Shopping in town is mainly in Tres Cruces Avenue, Santa Clara Street and San Torcuato. A weekly street market sells pottery, antiques and bric-a-brac and other items of interest. Delicious local foods including sheep’s milk cheese, honey, traditional almond doughnuts and the very dark red local wines are favourite purchases.

Car rental in Zamora Rail Station gives you the chance to arrange your own tours and daytrips. The 7th century village of El Campillo has a beautifully preserved Visigoth church, moved stone by stone from the site of new reservoir. With car hire in Zamora Rail Station you can even visit Portugal.