Virela
Virela is a small municipality located in the northern region of the autonomous community of Castile and León, Spain. Situated at an elevation of approximately 750 metres, the town lies within the comarca of Tierra de Campos, an area characterized by extensive cereal cultivation and a network of historic villages. According to the most recent census data, Virela has a population of roughly 1,200 inhabitants, reflecting a gradual decline common to many rural settlements in the province of Palencia. The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, with wheat, barley and saffron among the principal crops, while livestock farming—especially ovine and bovine herding—remains an important source of income.
The history of Virela dates back to the medieval period, when it emerged as a modest agrarian
In recent years, local authorities have pursued initiatives aimed at revitalising the town through rural tourism,