Would you like to discover part of the magic hidden in the province of Guadalajara? Well, there is no better place to start than the town of Sigüenza, a place with an excellent variety of spots worth exploring and which is currently the second most visited place in the Spanish autonomous region of Castile-La Mancha, and which forms part of the route of Camino del Cid.
This small town, which by the way has a city status, is located at an altitude of more than 1,000 metres above sea level and forms part of the natural region of Alto Henares. Without great unevenness, this town nevertheless has a large number of places that are worth a visit and that offer a journey through the different periods in which this area has been populated.
Just an hour and a half from the Spanish capital, this town has also become a known reference for rural tourism all year round and starting a walk through the centre of Sigüenza means embarking on a journey through time, where you can make several stops.
A good starting point is Sigüenza’s Cathedral, one of its most important buildings, which dates from the 12th century and in which you can see a perfect blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
A century later, one of the most visited buildings in the city was built, the Casa del Doncel, which in this case has a marked Gothic character. Inside this building is the Municipal Historical Archive, and it is divided into several rooms.
There are also two main religious buildings in the town: the church of San Vicente, built in a Romanesque style, and a reference of medieval religious architecture, as well as the church of Santiago, which is located in the centre of the town, in the Calle Mayor. In this case, different reconstruction works have had to be carried out due to the damage caused during the Spanish Civil War. Another monument not to be missed is the Convent of San Francisco, in the heart of Paseo de la Alameda promenade.
But if we look at the profile of Sigüenza, you will realise that it is a purely medieval town, and its walls are perhaps its most famous postcard view. The Jewish influence can be seen in the different windows that open up in the houses along one of its main streets. In addition, you can see up to five gates that gave access to the city.
Other elements worth visiting are the Plazuela de la Cárcel, a curious square where the city's prison used to be located, later becoming the City Hall and exhibition halls.
If you want to choose when to travel, we recommend that at the beginning of the year you do so during the festivities in honour of San Vicente Mártir, but if you want to have a great time while you learn more about the culture of Sigüenza, in July the Jornadas Medievales are held. During them, the whole city travels back in time and there are performances, medieval markets and activities that are typical of this period, such as archery. It is one of the best-known festivals in this region, but also one of the most popular among tourists.
Accompanying these festivities, of course, is a gastronomy full of tradition in which you can discover its famous roast lamb or kid, migas (fried breadcrumbs) with chorizo or Castilian soup. All these delicacies from Sigüenza will be a real feast of flavours to add to your visit.
