A day plan by car
Sigüenza and Atienza: the bishop's city and the castle on top of the rock
- From and to
- 08:30 to 17:30
- Duration
- Full day, ~10 hours
- Distance
- 300 km
- Steps
- 8
A day for lovers of quiet historic villages away from the crowds, in the Henares valley north of Guadalajara. Best in spring and autumn. Full day, ~10 hours.
Drawn by Dr. Abdulmajeed Al-Mudarra
- Start
- Madrid
- Finish
- Madrid
The climb to Atienza castle is stony, slippery after rain and exposed to the wind. The plateau is cold in winter.
- 08:30
Drive
Drive to Sigüenza
Madrid → Sigüenza
About 90 minutes (~130 km), via the A-2.
- 10:00
Visit
Sigüenza Cathedral
Catedral de Sigüenza
A fortified cathedral with the famous tomb of El Doncel and the carved ceiling of the sacristy. The guided tour of the inner parts is by ticket, at morning and afternoon times; it is usually closed on Monday — check. One hour.
- 11:15
Walk
The square and the main street up to the castle
Plaza Mayor → Calle Mayor → Castillo de Sigüenza
A 15-minute climb up the main street to the castle (originally an Andalusi fort, today a parador, where the courtyard can be seen). One hour with the tour.
- 13:30
Meal
Taberna Seguntina (not on the list)
Taberna Seguntina
Home-style Castilian cooking in the middle of town (rated 4.4 from ~1700 reviews); lunch only, closed Monday and Wednesday. Alternative: El Rosetón near the square (4.6, closed Wednesday).
- 15:15
Drive
Drive to Atienza
Sigüenza → Atienza
About 35 minutes (~32 km).
- 15:50
Walk
Atienza Castle
Castillo de Atienza
Ruins of a castle on a huge rock overlooking the plain; a dirt climb of 15–20 minutes and wide views. Entry is free. One hour.
- 17:00
Walk
Plaza del Trigo in Atienza
Plaza del Trigo (Atienza)
A square with arcades and Romanesque churches; 30 minutes.
- 17:30
Drive
Drive to Madrid
Atienza → Madrid
About 100 minutes (~135 km), via Jadraque and then the A-2.