The town of Lerma dates back to at least as far as the Iron Age, when the
Celtiberian tribe of the
vacceos lived in the area. The town was formed in a strategic position on a hill overlooking the
Arlanza River. The area was then conquered in turn by the Romans, the Visigoths, and the Berbers, and in the 10th century was conquered by the Christians during the
Reconquista when the Arlanza River became the border. From then Lerma grew as a medieval walled town, and witnessed a period of significant growth and wealth in the 17th century. This growth included the construction of buildings in
Herrerian style under the patronage of the
Duke of Lerma that today are among the best-preserved
historical-artistic complexes in Spain. After the death of the duke, the town went into slow decline. During the
Peninsular War the town was occupied by French troops, who burned and looted the town and convents on their retreat == Gallery ==