Ship «Juan de Homar»

In the town of Frómista lies one of the most emblematic spots on the Canal de Castilla: the dock located next to the quadruple lock, from where the boat “Juan de Homar” departs. This location offers a direct understanding of the importance of navigation in the canal’s historical operation and the complexity of the hydraulic infrastructure that makes it possible. The dock also marks a unique meeting point between the Canal de Castilla and the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), which runs parallel to this section of the canal.

The “Juan de Homar,” a boat operated by the Palencia Provincial Council, offers trips of between 3.5 and 6.5 kilometers from Frómista to the Boadilla del Camino dock, providing a leisurely experience that allows passengers to appreciate the course of the artificial river and its integration into the surrounding environment. The boat trip also connects with the heritage sites of both towns, enriching the understanding of the canal as a historical and cultural landmark.

The vessel is named in honor of Juan de Homar, director of the Canal de Castilla works in the last third of the 18th century, reinforcing the link between navigation, history, and engineering. Thus, the dock and the boat are established as key elements for approaching the Canal de Castilla from a heritage and educational perspective.