CIUDAD RODRIGO
Ciudad Rodrigo, a fortress situated on the road that leads to Portugal crossing the Spanish province of Salamanca, endured two sieges during the Peninsular War. The first, in 1810, was carried out by a French army sent by Napoleon to invade Portugal. The second, in 1812, took place when the allied force commanded by Lord Wellington counter-attacked and marched towards the heart of Spain.
For today’s traveller, the ancient fortified city of Ciudad Rodrigo is a fascinating place which allows us to relive the epic history of the Napoleonic Wars.

TAMAMES
Battle: 18 October 1809.
The VI Corps commanded by the French general, Marchand, was defeated by here by the Spanish army commanded by the Duque del Parque.

ALBA DE TORMES
Battle: 28 November 1809.
The Duque del Parque was defeated here by the cavalry of the army commanded by the French general, Kellermann.

PUERTO SEGURO
Combat of Barba del Puerco: 19-20 March 1810.
The French general of brigade, Ferey, was defeated here when he attacked the advanced posts of the British Light Division at Barba del Puerco.

VILLAR DE ARGAÑÁN
Combat of Villar del Puerco: 10 July 1810.
A unit of French infantry, having formed square, repelled an attack by German and British cavalry, largely thanks to the courage displayed by Captain Gouache and Sergeant Patois of the 22nd Line.

REAL FUERTE DE LA CONCEPCIÓN
During the first siege of Ciudad Rodrigo Craufurd’s Light Division was stationed here. It was later abandoned and its defensive key points blown up and turned into the headquarters for the French during the siege of the Portuguese city of Almeida.

ALMEIDA
Siege: 25 July-27 August 1810
. Here, close to the Pousada, you will see the grave of a British officer, John Beresford. He fell during the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in 1812.

FUENTES DE OÑORO
Battle: 3-5 May 1811.
The French Marshal Masséna was defeated here by Wellington’s allied army. You can see a commemorative plaque by the church.

EL BODÓN
Combat: 25 September 1811.
This is a singular combat. The British infantry attacked the French cavalry and forced it to retreat.

FUENTEGUINALDO AND FREINEDA
These are Wellington’s headquarters situated on both sides of the frontier.

ESPEJA
British general, Henry Mackinnon, was buried here after he fell at the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo.

GARCIHERNÁNDEZ
Combat: 23 July 1812.
One of the most famous cavalry charges of the Napoleonic Wars. A German cavalry unit serving in the British army broke the French infantry squares which were retreating after the defeat at Salamanca.