Guadalajara is the cradle of many charming towns to escape to disconnect. Tourists usually ignore them, because it has no coast and is part of that emptied and unknown Spain. Even better, because this way we avoid overcrowding and we can discover authentic hidden gems. Today it is the turn of Cifuentes, a medieval Romanesque and walled town that was built around the source of a river.
Cifuentes is the beautiful capital of La Alcarria and is located exactly at the source of the Cifuentes River. Its natural environment and its medieval framework, which has been preserved intact to this day, makes this small Castilian town an authentic journey into the past. You will notice it as soon as you enter the town on the N-204 highway, with the Rollo de los Tobares or the hermitage of La Soledad, which dates back to the 17th century, welcoming you.
The Raft and the Mill
Cifuentes is not a big town. In fact, it is easy to explore on foot, walking and getting lost among its alleys and ancestral houses. However, it is not hard to wait either and has its most famous image at the very entrance of the town: the raft and the mill, a reservoir full of water where they once washed clothes and where the river rests before continuing its path to the Tagus.
The visit continues through the Plaza Mayor, a beautiful 16th century Castilian portal that maintains all its charm and continues to be, despite the passing of the years, the heart of the town. Right there is the imposing church of El Salvador, a beautiful Romanesque temple built in the 13th century whose tower can be seen from the distance. Not in vain, it is a stop on the Senda de la Lana of the Camino de Santiago.
Church of El Salvador
At this same point, the heart of Cifuentes, there is also the town hall and the church of Santo Domingo, with an imposing Renaissance façade. Today it houses the Santo Domingo Art Center and the Cifuentes Visitor Reception Center. Furthermore, next to it is the Casa de los Gallos, one of the many stately mansions in the town, very famous for that noble coat of arms with two roosters on its wrought iron balcony and converted into a restaurant.
The historical spectacle continues with other stops of interest, such as the Hospital and Ermita del Remedio, an architectural complex from the 15th century with a flamboyant Gothic style that still maintains the arches from the Romanesque era.
Of course, any medieval getaway has to have towers, walls and castles and Cifuentes was no different. Today there are still pieces of the 14th century wall that have managed to withstand the passage of time, with its corner towers and the Salinera Gate.
Cifuentes Castle
From there we have the best views of the castle and its Keep, which is currently being restored to become the future Museum of Local and Archaeological Themes. Now all that remains is to enjoy a golden sunset on the Castilian plains, a warm and hearty meal to combat the cold and back to the city, but with the button of reset pressed.
