The Duero formed the border between the Christian north and Al-Andalus, the Islamic south of the peninsula for a long time, but Sancho García, Count of Castile, conquered the Moorish fortress in 1013 and founded the town of Peñafiel. Until the conquest of Toledo (1085) it was one of only a few Christian outposts south of the Duero. Today it is a town of many wine caves ("Ribera del Duero") and a population of about 5.000.

Castillo de Peñafiel towers over the whole town.

The Plaza del Coso was known in medieval times as "Corro de los Toros". The buildings, that surround the rectangular square are mostly from the 15th to 18th centuries. It is still used for fiestas and bullfights.