The town two hours from Madrid that is among the most beautiful in Spain with a 12th century Gothic fortress that can be visited

In Spain you can find impressive places steeped in its rich cultural heritage and, while there are some very popular ones that have become a reference point for tourists from all over, others are more underrated despite their impressive features. This is the case of La Manchuela in Cuenca, a plain between La Mancha and the Serranía de Cuenca, which enchants all those who visit the place.

Its well-deserved fame is not only due to its natural environment, But in this point of Castilla-La Mancha, cities such as Alarcón stand out with a Gothic fortress from the 12th century that is best preserved in Spain.

This town, surrounded by walls and crowned by this castle that is now a parador, offers a combination of historical heritage and natural beauty that makes it an attractive destination for those looking for a quiet getaway full of history.

Founded during the Roman era and consolidated as a fortress in the Middle Ages, Alarcón was an important defensive enclave. Its walls, gates and towers are a testimony of its history and the different conflicts that occurred in the region. The Alarcón Castle, built in the 7th century by Arab hands and later expanded, is one of its main attractions. It was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and Historical Heritage of Spain in February 1992 and since then it has attracted many lovers of history and nature.

What to see and do in Alarcón

The Alarcón wall is one of the best preserved in the region. It includes five defensive towers, among which the Torre de los Alarcones and the Torre del Cañavate stand out.. Each one offers a spectacular panoramic landscape of the surroundings of the Júcar River.

Before leaving the town to explore the surroundings, it is important to visit both the churches and its impressive Plaza Mayor. Some of the religious buildings such as that of San Juan Bautista, which houses impressive contemporary murals by the artist Jesús Mateo, declared a World Artistic Heritage by UNESCO, or that of Santo Domingo de Silos are examples of Romanesque architecture.

Once in the vicinity of the city you can enjoy a landscape in which water erosion is a clear protagonist. The natural canyon formed by the Júcar River creates a rugged landscape that can be explored on foot or by bike. There are several hiking routes in the area that allow you to enjoy the local flora and fauna, as well as impressive views of the river bend and the surroundings of the town. The proximity to the Alarcón reservoir is also another place that is worth visiting to enjoy the tranquility of the area.

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