Guadalajara is the most eastern and northern province of the autonomous region of Castilla la Mancha. It shares many features with its sister provinces and is noted for its grape and olive growing regions.

This is particularly so in the region known as La Alcarria, which extends across the frontiers between Guadalajara and Cuenca.

The province is noted too for its extensive natural parks that are amply watered by large reservoirs and that are steeped in history.

Here are ancient villages that formed the basis of that history and still bask under an unforgiving summer sun on plains that appear to extend forever.

Places such as Brihuega, Pastrana and Alcocer, which enjoy some of the most privileged views of the Peninsula.

The valley of the Jarama river is home to impressive monumental villages the architecture of which forms the basis of much of the Spanish identity and which was the setting for one of the most cruel battles of the Spanish Civil War.

Routes and Places worth a Visit

Imón, Guadalajara. A dot on the map, Imón rises phoenix-like from the ashes of abandon. A village with less than 300 inhabitants, for many years Imón clung to existence through the development of the salt industry.

This unlikely industry came about because ancient salt flats became exposed somewhere upstream and, dissolved by the river, salt was deposited in evaporation salinas constructed next to the village.

19th century photographs in the hotel bearing the unsmiling faces of salt encrusted workers and tired, hopeless donkeys, provide testimony to the wheel of survival.

In the medieval town of Sigüenza a pristine castle dominates the ridge overlooking the city and the houses cluster around its skirt like children seeking maternal comfort.

On the plains of Castilla la Mancha, many castles take advantage of ridges and high ground which usually gave time for defenders to prepare for an attack. Sigüenza is no different, its history is anchored in a past replete with all the protagonists that comprise the tapestry of the national character.

Gualadajara is full of walled towns and villages with a dense history, romanic churches built in splendid isolation, salinas that were exploited by the romans......

More information: http://www.visitclm.com/busqueda/locations/guadalajara

Important Fiestas

Sigüenza on the 22nd of January holds the traditional ‘hogueras’. The town holds its Romeria to the Sanctuary of the Vigen de la Salud on hte second sunday of May. Its main fiesta, held in honour of the patron saints San Roque, are held between the 12th and 18th of August.

Pastrana. Between the 25th and 30th of March is the famous feria of bee-keepers of Castilla la Mancha. The Festival of the Dukes of Pastrana is held from the 1st to the 15th of July and in the first two weeks of August the summer festival is held, a feria that centres around bull running.

In Gualajara capital city the three festivals that are held in most of Spain are here considered to be of national interest. These include the Cabalgata of the Reyes Magos on the 6th January, Semana Santa and Corpus Christi. The main festival of the capital city is held in September.