Discover Fuentelencina: Culture, Waterworks and Trails in La Alcarria

Fuentelencina combines Renaissance and Baroque architecture with historic waterworks, preserved parts of the walled area and trails through the landscape of La Alcarria.

Culture and History

The Iglesia de la Asunción de Fuentelencina is a 16th-century building that was remodelled during the Baroque period. Its main altar is a mid-16th-century altarpiece in the Plateresque style; it may have been made by the sculptor Francisco Giralte. The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category on 28 May 2002.

The Ayuntamiento de Fuentelencina is a Renaissance building from the 16th century. Its façade bears the coats of arms of the emperor, the Order of Calatrava and the town; the building was recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural on 8 October 1991.

In La Vega, in the lower part of Fuentelencina, lies the Fuente de Abajo, a Renaissance waterworks structure from the mid-16th century that was formerly called Fuente de Suso. The structure has six waterspouts shaped like lions’ heads; these drain into a stone basin and then into a washhouse. Channels, irrigation ditches and a livestock trough distribute water to the gardens along the Arroyo de la Vega; its water flows into the Río Arlés.

The walled area of Fuentelencina can be visited. The preserved parts include a flanking tower (Torre albarrana), remnants of the walls with remains of a moat and the remains of a gate. The Plaza Mayor is a Renaissance square with arcades and a central fountain with a water basin.

Landscape and Trails

The landscape around Fuentelencina offers wide views over the hills and valleys of La Alcarria. Las Pozas de Manolete is an easy 6.70-kilometre circular walk lasting approximately two hours. As a short circular trail, it leads from Fuentelencina to a viewpoint over the landscape of La Alcarria. At one point along the route, an information board provides information about the geology and features of the Arroyo de la Vega.

El Camino de la Vega is the 16-kilometre route from Fuentelencina in the Rutas Villas Alcarreñas network. The trails of Rutas Villas Alcarreñas have white and green markings and are equipped with orientation and signposts at several strategic points.

The RCGU-11 El Camino de Fuentelencina route reaches Fuentelencina after 7.5 kilometres along the Arroyo de Carraguadalajara; after a further 7.5 kilometres, it also reaches the Ermita de la Soledad in Fuentelencina.

Different lengths and approximate durations make it easier to compare the trails with your own daily itinerary.

Festivals and Local Traditions

The Pasión Viviente has been performed in Fuentelencina by the Asociación Cultural San Agustín since 1991. It is associated with the evening of Maundy Thursday in the Plaza Mayor and is recognised as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Provincial. During one performance, the Stations of the Cross led through the streets of Fuentelencina to the Ermita de la Soledad.

Fuentelencina appointed San Agustín as its patron saint in 1520 and established 28 August as its main festival. On the feast day of San Agustín, chocolate, “pan de la caridad”, wine and beef are traditionally served to those present in the square after Mass and the procession. Since shortly before the year 2000, the eve of the San Agustín festival has included the release of several young bulls and the preparation of a stew made with meat and “sopas”.

More destinations at a glance: Mazarete, Pastrana, Molina De Aragón, Ciruelas, Chillarón Del Rey, Zaorejas, Ruguilla, Anchuela Del Pedregal

To the higher-level travel overview: Guadalajara.