Discover Atienza: Castle, Museums and La Caballada

At the highest point of Atienza stands the Castillo de Atienza, a military complex from the 11th and 12th centuries built on a rocky outcrop. The watchtower is accessible; its terrace offers views of the town and its surroundings. The castle is open daily and admission is free. Access is via a flight of stairs without a ramp, and two further flights of stairs without ramps lead to the watchtower.

Culture and history

The historic ensemble of Atienza is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC); the corresponding declaration is dated 23 February 1962. It encompasses architecture ranging from the Romanesque and Gothic periods to the Baroque and Rococo, spanning the period from the 12th to the 18th century. Of Atienza’s historic city gates, three are well preserved: the San Juan Gate, also known as Arrebatacapas, the Puerta de la Virgen and the Puerta de la Salida.

The Iglesia de Santa María del Rey is the oldest surviving place of worship in Atienza and dates from the early 12th century. Its exterior can be viewed around the clock; the interior is accessible only on 15 August from 12:00 to 14:00.

Museums

The Posada del Cordón is housed in a former 15th-century manor house and now serves as the headquarters of the Centro de Interpretación de la Cultura Tradicional of the Province of Guadalajara. The museum in the Posada del Cordón contains more than 600 ethnographic objects. Atienza’s tourist office is also located in this museum.

The Museo de la Santísima Trinidad is housed in a 13th-century church that combines Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. A dedicated section on La Caballada displays historical documents, clothing and photographs.

The Museo de San Gil brings together sacred art, an exhibition on goldsmithing and archaeology, including prehistoric and ancient finds from the comarca. The Museo de San Bartolomé preserves Romanesque elements in its portico, apsidal arch, baptismal font and triumphal arch. It also houses a collection of more than 3,500 fossils from all geological periods of the Earth’s history.

Squares and opening hours

The Plaza del Trigo is accessible around the clock. It is connected to the Plaza de España via the Arco de Arrebatacapas, so both squares form part of the same historic urban structure.

Festivals and pilgrimage route

La Caballada is a festival of national tourist interest and takes place on Whit Sunday. The traditional story of La Caballada refers to a ruse carried out by Atienza’s muleteers’ brotherhood on the morning of Whit Sunday in 1162: During a mock pilgrimage to the nearby Ermita de la Virgen de la Estrella, fast horses took the young king as far as Ávila while distracting the Leonese troops.

Throughout May, restaurants in Atienza offer special menus inspired by La Caballada. Atienza is also part of the Ruta de la Lana on the Camino de Santiago: The town is the endpoint of Stage 20 from Mandayona via Sigüenza to Atienza and the starting point of Stage 21 from Atienza to Retortillo de Soria.

Routes

The Tierras de Frontera BTT-MTB route runs from Atienza in Guadalajara to Ateca–Calatayud in Zaragoza. The route can be travelled on foot, by BTT mountain bike, by touring bicycle or by vehicle. Different modes of transport and route options make it possible to adapt your daily plans to your preferred focus.

Other places

Other places for additional orientation include Hiendelaencina, Miedes de Atienza, Poveda De La Sierra, Bustares, El Cubillo De Uceda, Pareja, Fontanar and Villares de Jadraque.

Getting there

ALSA operates a bus service between Atienza, Guadalajara and Madrid in both directions every day of the week. The ALSA bus does not enter the town but stops at the Cantaperdiz turn-off; from there, two car transport services are available to reach the town centre.

For the broader travel overview: Guadalajara.