About the expedition
An immersive adventure to discover how people lived, prayed and celebrated in the Middle Ages, combining heritage, play and technology.
Expedition 4.0 to the Middle Ages is an accessible and entertaining journey through time, during which you’ll discover the value of our heritage and the significance of the Middle Ages. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, you’ll see forgotten churches, experience ancient traditions, take on challenges, unearth secrets and, ultimately, savour, hear and smell the medieval era in Spain.
This exciting experience is suitable for everyone, as it is designed for children, teenagers, adults and people with physical, sensory and/or intellectual disabilities.
To enjoy it, you’ll need to travel through part of Spain – specifically, seven regions across seven autonomous communities – as these are home to the thirteen locations you’ll need to visit if you want to experience the full adventure.
Here’s an itinerary (but you can arrange it in whatever order you like)
Travel Itinerary
We’ve put together a suggested itinerary, but you’re free to organise it however you like
ANDALUCÍA. SPIRITUALITY
At the Carthusian Monastery (Granada), you’ll get goosebumps. As the sun sets, you’ll feel the power of silence, and a world unknown to most people will unfold before your eyes: that of the Carthusian Order. A monk will guide you and reveal the secrets of spirituality, meditation and connection with something greater than humankind.
ARAGÓN. WOMEN IN THE MIDDLE AGES, RURAL LIFE AND IDENTITY
St Peter’s Cathedral (Jaca). For the first time, the cathedral’s bell tower is opening its doors to the public. This magnificent building holds stories within it that until now have remained hidden, and which you can discover whilst enjoying magnificent views of the surrounding area. You’ll also learn about the cathedral’s origins and about medieval women who played significant roles in religious, political and artistic spheres.
Cathedral of Saint Vincent the Martyr (Roda de Isábena). In this beautiful place, you will see that the Middle Ages were not all about conflict; people from different cultures and faiths also managed to live together in peace and, by working together and setting aside their differences, they helped to boost the local economy.
Santa María del Romeral Cathedral (Monzón). You’ll meet queens, kings and nobles. You’ll get a taste of medieval politics and find yourself caught up in intrigues, power struggles and battles over territory.
Cathedral of Santa María de la Asunción (Barbastro). Architecture takes centre stage here. The bourgeoisie and the guilds join forces to create some truly beautiful buildings. Carved and polychrome roses adorn the ceiling of this sacred site.
CASTILLA-LA MANCHA. INTERCULTURALISM AND COEXISTENCE
Convento de Santa Úrsula (Toledo). A través de un espectáculo de música e imágenes proyectadas en las paredes del convento descubrirás cómo de la convivencia y la colaboración entre cristianos, judíos y musulmanes resultó una arquitectura y escultura de enorme belleza.
Through a show combining music and images projected onto the convent’s walls, you will discover how the coexistence and collaboration between Christians, Jews and Muslims gave rise to architecture and sculpture of extraordinary beauty.
CASTILLA Y LEÓN. STONE BUILDING
The cathedrals of Arlanza (Mahamud, Villahoz, Covarrubias and Santa María del Campo). A visit to these four sites is essential for understanding the Middle Ages in the countryside. You’ll be amazed to see how the quality of the stone quarried from the local quarries helped to turn these four cathedrals into true architectural gems. A real sight to behold in the heart of the countryside.
EXTREMADURA. ART
Convent of San Ildefonso (Plasencia). Get ready for a multi-sensory, interactive and virtual experience through which you’ll follow, step by step, the development of the city in medieval times, as well as the evolution of the episcopal city. Furthermore, with the aim of connecting the city with the surrounding countryside, you’ll be able to ‘peek out’ at digital and interactive viewpoints from which you can admire the natural beauty of Extremadura.
NAVARRA. FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS
Pamplona Cathedral. Here you’ll join in the festivities, dance with four-metre-tall giants and experience the city’s medieval cultural and festive traditions. What’s more, the dances and music of the period, combined with augmented reality technology and 3D models, will guide you through the city’s heritage.
PAÍS VASCO. THE BASQUE COUNTRY. DAILY LIFE AND THE ORIGINS OF THE CITY
Church of San Antón (Bilbao). Medieval men and women will explain how Bilbao emerged and developed from a rock. Virtual reality, games, challenges and animations come together in this church to reveal stories that will make you see, understand and love this magnificent city in a whole new way.