Ciudad Rodrigo is a historic fortified city in the province of Salamanca, close to the Portuguese border in western Castile and León. Its vernacular architecture is characterised by golden sandstone buildings, medieval streets, arcaded squares, and imposing defensive walls that reflect its long military history. Significant landmarks include the Cathedral of Santa María, the Castle of Henry II, now a Parador, the extensive town walls, and numerous Renaissance palaces. The surrounding countryside is dominated by the dehesa landscape, with holm oaks, pasture, cereal cultivation, and livestock farming, particularly cattle and the renowned Iberian pigs. Ciudad Rodrigo stands out from similar Castilian towns because of its remarkably complete fortifications and its strategic position on the Portuguese frontier, which made it the scene of numerous battles during the Peninsular War and gave it an enduring military significance.