2025 Siguenza Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Stop: Castle of Sigüenza Rising above the medieval town of Sigüenza in Castilla-La Mancha, the Castle of Sigüenza stands as a formidable reminder of Spain’s layered history. Originally built by the Moors in the 5th century and later expanded under Christian rule, its sturdy stone walls and towers dominate the skyline, giving the town an unmistakable medieval character. Today, the castle has been carefully preserved and transformed into a Parador, allowing visitors to not only explore its heritage but also stay within its storied walls. Walking through its fortified courtyards and along battlements, the echoes of centuries past feel almost tangible. The castle’s thick stone architecture and imposing gateways speak of its strategic importance, once a defensive stronghold that oversaw the surrounding valley. Yet, within, the Parador creates an inviting atmosphere, blending Gothic grandeur with modern comfort while preserving the echoes of its original purpose. The castle’s setting enhances its impact—overlooking the cobbled streets, Romanesque cathedral, and red-roofed houses of Sigüenza. At sunset, when the warm Castilian light bathes the walls in gold, the fortress takes on a timeless quality. Here, history and hospitality merge, offering an experience where the grandeur of the Middle Ages is not just admired but lived. #mytraveldiary

Spanish Central Plateau Hike ~ Guadalajara (Region) Sigüenza is a small town in Guadalajara. You shouldn't miss its traditional plaza, the gateway to the very interesting medieval historic center. The atmosphere and food are fantastic, and the food at any of its hotels is delicious. From there, you can enjoy everything you need for a comfortable visit. #SeptemberDestinations2025 #Castilla-LaMancha

Exploring the Spanish Central Plateau ~ Guadalajara (Region) The Sigüenza Castle is a stunning location featuring a large tower and sturdy walls. Situated on higher ground, it offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. Its medieval architecture adds a unique charm, making it an intriguing spot for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. Admission is free. You can access the central inner garden through the hotel, where you'll find flowers, fountains, and a well. Visitors can also dine at the hotel's indoor or terrace restaurant.

A journey through the Spanish Central Plateau ~ Guadalajara (Region) An impressive castle where you might get lost exploring its numerous corridors and halls. At this conveniently located Parador, you can immerse yourself in great history and be transported back to that era! They welcomed us warmly, and the breakfast was excellent with a wide variety of options. The restaurant offers an interesting menu featuring typical local dishes, and we thoroughly enjoyed the food here. The staff were consistently friendly and accommodating. In the room, I wished for a bit more space, but overall, we were very comfortable.

Spanish Central Plateau Adventure ~ Guadalajara (Region) This beautiful museum is housed in a 13th-century house in the heart of the medieval city. It still retains impressive Mudéjar decorative features. It includes a well-reviewed restaurant and three exhibitions: paintings, Spanish guitars, and carpets. The visit was well worth it, and the price was only 2 euros. #SeptemberDestinations2025 #Castilla-LaMancha

Exploring the Spanish Central Plateau ~ Guadalajara (Region) The station is located in the northwest of the city, near the Henares River and at the end of a long street leading to Soria. Its design is inspired by 18th-century architecture. The original station was destroyed during the Civil War, and the current building follows the traditionalist trends typical of the post-war period. This structure is a highly traditional work, featuring two floors with intricate decorations. The dual-color design on the walls further enhances its ornamental appeal. Renfe provides mid-distance services through its regional trains and regional express trains, with major destinations including Madrid, Lleida, Zaragoza, Barcelona, and Soria.

Spanish Central Plateau Adventure ~ Guadalajara (Region) This cathedral was originally Romanesque, with Gothic elements and Renaissance decorations added. Construction began in the 12th century at the behest of Bishop Bernardo de Agén; however, work continued into the 16th century. The cathedral has three naves, a main nave with a cloister, and a dome. Its churches include the remarkable San Pedro Chapel, which boasts a wrought iron grille designed by Juan Francisco; the Annunciation Chapel, with its Mudéjar details; and the San Marcos Chapel. The Los Arces Chapel houses a statue by Martín Vázquez el Doncel, a remarkable work dating from the late 15th century. On the south wall of the Presbyterian Residence, you'll find the Gothic tomb of Cardinal Alonso Carrillo de Albornoz of Saint Eustaquio, as well as the tombs of the knight Gómez Carrillo de Acuña and his wife. #September2025 #Castilla-La Mancha

Exploring the Spanish Central Plateau ~ Guadalajara (Region) Located within a neoclassical palace, this museum houses an extensive collection of religious artworks. The collection includes remarkable paintings, sculptures, textiles, gold ornaments, manuscripts, archaeological artifacts, and altarpieces. Highlights feature masterpieces by prominent artists such as El Greco's 'The Annunciation' and Zurbarán's 'The Immaculate Conception.'

Spanish Central Plateau Rambles ~ Guadalajara (Region) While Sigüenza's streets are dotted with many exceptionally beautiful civic and religious buildings, the castle, cathedral, and Plaza Mayor are three must-see attractions. The castle, now a Parador Hotel, was built in the 8th century AD after the Arab invasion. It still retains significant remains of its defensive walls, as well as gates and towers from the castle. The cathedral was originally built in 1130 in Romanesque style but later evolved in Gothic style. Its exterior resembles a medieval fortress, with Romanesque towers and porticoes and a magnificent rose window. Inside, the church houses the mausoleum of Martín Vázquez de Arce, known as "El Doncel" (The Young Knight) of Sigüenza. Other highlights include the Covarrubias-designed Las Cabezas sacristy, the cloisters, the choir with its Gothic choir stalls, and a significant art collection, including El Greco's "Annunciation." The Renaissance-style Plaza Mayor, or Market Square, urbanized between 1484 and 1494, is home to the Casas de los Canónigos residences, with their balconies and galleries, the Town Hall, and Puerta delil. #SeptemberDestinations2025 #Castilla-LaMancha

Spanish Central Plateau Adventure ~ Guadalajara (Region) A must-see in Guadalajara. This co-cathedral offers an interesting mix of styles: the exterior is predominantly Mudéjar, while the interior is Renaissance, with elements from other periods. This isn't surprising given its size, but remember, it's a co-cathedral; the province's cathedral is in Sigüenza. It has a wide range of visiting and worship times, and best of all: admission is free. At the entrance, they'll also tell you about the mass schedules at other churches in the city. #SeptemberDestinations2025 #Castilla-LaMancha

This town was named a must-visit by National Geographic! It's only a 1.5-hour drive from Madrid. 🛡This is the medieval town of Sigüenza, known as the City of Knights (la ciudad del Doncel). The town is located in the province of Guadalajara in the Castilla-La Mancha region. Since the Middle Ages, it has been an important strategic territory and is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Spain. 🏰Don't miss the Sigüenza Cathedral (Catedral de Sigüenza, photos 4-6), which houses El Greco's "The Annunciation." There are also two Michelin-starred restaurants here: El Doncel (photo 8) and El Molino de Alcuneza (photo 9). Be sure to visit next time you're in Madrid!

The history of Sigüenza Castle carries the grand narrative of the Iberian Peninsula. The Celtiberians, Visigoths, Moors, and Christians successively alternated their presence here. The history of the castle can be traced back to a small village built by the Celtiberians before the Common Era. In the 5th century, the Visigoths established a small fortress on this site. In the 8th century, the Moors expanded the castle to defend against the incursions of the Christian kingdoms. After Bishop Bernard of Agen captured Sigüenza, the bishopric became the local ruler until the mid-19th century. This historical aspect reflects Spain's steadfast support for Christianity at the time.