Sigüenza, a Historic Town in Guadalajara

sigüenza guadalajara spain españa

Sigüenza is a little town with a big history. Sigüenza is a city in Guadalajara, central Spain. It’s known for its centuries-old architecture, including an imposing Medieval Castle where you can spend the night. It’s a wonderful place to breath Spanish history. Let me show you around.

catedral sigüenza guadalajara spain españa

THINGS TO DO
Wander around the cobbled streets and shop some craftsmanship at the picturesque shops around town.

Stay at El Castillo (the Castle). The main street of Sigüenza heads south up the hill from the cathedral to the castle, which was originally built by the Romans and was, a Moorish fortress, royal palace, asylum and army barracks. It was partially destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and subsequently rebuilt  as a Parador (hotel). Even if you are not a guest, you are welcome to wander in and use the cafeteria, restaurant and other general areas, which overlook a beautiful courtyard.

We only spent one night here because Sigüenza is a place that can be seen in one day. It’s a great stop if you are taking a tour around Spain or as a 1-day visit if your are based in Madrid. If you are coming from the capital of Spain you can take the Medieval train. Troubadours, stilt-walkers and jugglers all climb on board this peculiar train. Throughout the trip, you can enjoy medieval entertainment, sample sweets and pastries (info here).

sigüenza guadalajara spain españa
sigüenza guadalajara spain españa

Take a guided tour of the cathedral. It started as a Romanesque piece in 1130 and continued to expand over the following 4 centuries. It has elements from Gothic, Plateresque, Renaissance and even Mudejar style making it one of the most beautiful and impressive cathedrals I’ve ever seen. The church was heavily damaged during the civil war, but was subsequently rebuilt. The tour walks you through the cloister, shows you a masterpiece by El Greco, takes you into the breathtaking Sacristía de las Cabezas -with a ceiling adorned with hundreds of sculpted heads- and lets you see a magnificent collection of tapestry. The icing on the cake is the is the Capilla Mayor, home of the reclining marble statue of Don Martín Vázquez de Arce (the statue is named El Doncel), who died at 25 fighting the Muslims in the final stages of the Reconquista.

I just love walking around historic places and imagining what life was like at the time. Just like in the Pillars of the Earth.

catedral sigüenza guadalajara spain españa
catedral sigüenza guadalajara spain españa
catedral sigüenza guadalajara spain españa
sigüenza guadalajara spain españa
castillo castle sigüenza guadalajara spain españa
Be sure to bundle up if you visit Sigüenza in winter. Apart from the famous landmarks, this place is also well-known for being one of the coldest places in Spain. 
Next Monday I’ll give you a tour around El Castillo. It was a great experience and we got to tick the “sleep in a castle” box in our bucket list!
xo Cristinapaisaje sigüenza guadalajara spain españa

GET THE LOOK

English corner 
stilt-walker – zancudo
juggler – malabarista
the icing on the cake – something that makes a good situation even better (la guinda del pastel)

0 thoughts on “Sigüenza, a Historic Town in Guadalajara”

  1. Alittlethingbcn

    Qué fotos más bonitas!! Me apunto el pueblo para visitarlo cuando visite guadalajara. Muchas gracias por toda la información!!
    Besicos!!

  2. This is awesome! When I first say Guadalajara, I thought Mexico (husby loves it there) but these Spain photos are SO pretty 🙂

  3. Cara Harbstreet

    Absolutely gorgeous photos! I was fortunate to be able to travel to Madrid for about two weeks and we took a lot of day trips to surrounding cities but this wasn't one. I'd love to go back again to see this place!

  4. Thanks! I just can't stop wearing it, the print is skiers sliding down on a slope (hard to see when you are wearing it) but the vivid colors are what makes it so special 🙂

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