Visit Atienza
Atienza is in the province of Guadalafara in the Castilla la Mancha region.
Explore Atienza, Spain
Atienza is a pretty medieval town which sits around the base of a hill on the top of which are the ruins of Atienza's castle. The castle was built in the 12th century and though now in ruins the tall tower dominates the skyline in the surrounding area.
Atienza had its heyday in medieval times and often served as a safe haven for the kings of Castile. The town prospered until the 15th century and during the middle ages many churches as well as fortified walls and fine mansions were built.
The arcaded Plaza Major is linked to another square, the Plaza del Trigo and these form the heart of the town. Wandering around the neighbouring streets with many charming half-timber buildings look out for the houses decorated with coats of arms, these belonged to the wealthy residents of Atienza in medieval times.
Amongs Atienza's many churches is the church of San Gil which is now home to a museum of religious art. The church of Santa Maria del Ray has a fine Baroque altarpiece. The San Fransisco church is one of few English Gothic style churches in Spain.
Once you have explored the town you can walk to the top of the hill and visit the castle at the top. From the top of the hill you get lovely views over the surrounding countryside and you can climb to the top of the tower to get views over the castle as well as the plains and low hills of the Castilla la Mancha region.
Atienza sits on the route of the exile of El Cid and also the route of Don Quijote which links places mentioned in Miguel de Cervantes famous book. It is also on one of the pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostella.
Atienza is a National Historic -Artistic monument.
Places to Visit Nearby
Siguenza with its lovely castle-parador and Romanesque cathedral is nearby. Penaranda de Duero is nearby and is a lovely village topped by the large castle of Peranda.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Castilla-La Mancha guide.
Map of Atienza and places to visit
Atienza places to visit
Penaranda de Duero
Penaranda de Duero is one of the nicest villages in Old Castile and it has a lovely Renaissance Palace and an imposing castle dating from the Reconquest.
Penaranda de Duero guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Castilla-La Mancha