Cuenca is much more than the hanging houses of its capital. The province hides areas of vast nature such as the Cabaña del Hoyo lagoons in Las Torcas, the Enchanted Forest or the spectacular Ventano del Diablo.
It also hides a unique gastronomy (our DAP colleagues were able to enjoy it for 48 hours) and in the province, places that seem to have stopped in time. Villages steeped in history such as the medieval town we are talking about today: Alarcón.
Located in the middle of the Júcar River and less than two hours from Madrid, Alarcón is a perfect destination for a last minute getaway for a bridge or a weekend for which we do not yet have plans. This small town that seems frozen in time, hides a lot of history in its streets.
Alarcón, the perfect medieval town for a getaway
Alarcón, declared a Historic-Artistic Site Due to its beauty and harmony, Alarcón is a small and charming town surrounded by a wall located next to the reservoir of the same name.
We can not only walk through its streets, but also enjoy the Plaza del Infante Don Juan Manuel, the Alarcón Mural Art Center or the churches of Santa María and Santo Domingo de Silos, some of the key points to get to know it.
We can also take advantage of the getaway to discover the reservoir, enjoy its inland “beaches” and practice all kinds of watersports such as kayaking, canoeing or paddlesurfing among others, but without a doubt the main attraction of Alarcón is its medieval castlemore than enough reason to plan a getaway to see the fortress.
The Castle of Alarcon
Located on the Júcar gorge, this area was already chosen as a place of settlement in Arab times. Its natural moat and watchtower were key to controlling the land when the Arabs built the first fortress.
The castle of Alarcón, imposing from the top of the Pico de los Hidalgos rock, seems to dominate everything and is one of the best preserved in Spain, as are its walls. Alarcón could well have been the scene of Knight Fate or any other movie set in the Middle Ages.
Although it retains part of its Muslim aroma, the subsequent medieval reforms after the reconquest corrected its structure, now with a square floor plan. It has more than thirteen centuries of history and many structures of the time are preserved, from the wall to the castle itself.
The Puerta del Campo, the Puerta del Calabozo or the Puerta del Bodegón are still preserved, and one of the most impressive areas is the Torre del Homenaje. With a Renaissance appearance and battlements topped with arrowheads, it makes this place a magical return to the past in which now we can even sleep. The Parador de Alarcón, with prices from €186 the night in a double room, now occupies the castle and allows us to live the experience from within.
Parador de Alarcón, prices from 186 euros per night in a double room
The best of Alarcón: its views
But you will not have seen Alarcón if you do not do it from a distance, with a panoramic view of the medieval town and the spectacular nature that surrounds it. Before reaching the town make a stop at the viewpoint located near the Torre del Campo. From there you will have a spectacular view of the castle, the town and the meander of the Júcar.
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Photos | istock, Castile-La Mancha Tourism
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