It is not Chinchón but it is also an hour from Madrid and is frequently chosen as the most beautiful town in Spain. This is Hita, in the province of Guadalajara. A place declared a Historic Site, cradle of archaeological remains and in which remains of its medieval past can still be seen such as pieces of its old wall.
Although it almost disappeared during the Spanish Civil War, Hita has managed to preserve itself over time. In it stand out the ruins of his castle on the top of a hill, which announces from a distance that the historical-artistic complex of this town is a trip back in time to medieval times. And not only because of its remains of the wall…
Hita’s wineries are cave houses of medieval origin which were inhabited in the 18th century and which were called wineries. Excavated on the slope of the Hita hill, in what is the oldest neighborhood in the place, they were not definitively abandoned until the end of the 50s of the 20th century.
As regards the famous wall of Hita, dates from the fifteenth century and a kilometer is still preserved. In its day, it surrounded the historic center, joining the castle on top of the hill. Visitable ruins of this fortress are also preserved. However, the most important point of what remains of this wall is The Gate of Santa Maria, construction began in 1441.
In the town it is also worth visiting the Romanesque ruins of the Church of San Pedro or the Church of Santa María. In addition to, like any good medieval town worth its salt, the Plaza Mayor, also known as Archpriest Square. In the 15th century it was the market and the main neighborhood of the Jewish quarter.
Despite how much rain has happened since then, it still retains some brick facades from mudejar tradition. The same style that we also find in the church of San Juan, built during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
With such heritage, it’s no wonder Hita has her own medieval festival where fairs are recreated every year on foot and on horseback. A perfect opportunity to take advantage and do an escape to the past in the middle of nature.
Cover photo | iStock
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