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Atienza village & castle

Calle Cervantes, Atienza, Castilla-La Mancha

Description

Atienza is a village at the northwest border of the Province of Guadalajara, on the way between Madrid and Zaragoza. Little remains of the antique settlement and the village started gaining importance after it was reconquered (like most of the region) from the Muslims in the 12th century and became part of the Kingdom of Castille. It started losing importance to the profit of Sigüenza during the 15th century. The Castillo de Atienza that dominates the village was built in the 11/12th century, initially as a Muslim fortress. It was destroyed during the Spanish War of Independence against the Napoleonic troops (1808-14). Other notable monuments include the 12th century Church of Santa María del Rey near the castle and the Church of San Bartolomé.

Access & Transport

Atienza is 80km northwest of Guadalajara, taking about 75mins on the CM-101/CM-1001. From Madrid it is a 150km drive and from Zaragoza 215km.

Instructions & Recommendations

Some practical informations extracted from: https://turismoatienza.es/ - The castle can be visited any day, there is no entrance fee / ticket and visitor infrastructure - The Santísima Trinidad Museum only opens from 11h-14h and 16h-19h on weekends and public holidays. On weekdays a prior appointment is required - The interior of Santa María del Rey can only be visited once a year, on 15 August from 12h00 to 14h00 We suggest combining a visit to this village with a discovery of the town of Sigüenza and its magnificent Cathedral (30mins drive)

Meta review

Visitors to the castle enjoy the panoramic views (worth the hike - there is also a parking nearby) but warn that it isn't restored at all and that the Torre del Homenaje is the main sight. Reviewers also generally enjoy this small medieval village and those who patronize the Santisima Trinidad Museum (a church turned museum) state that the interesting artwork such as the Christ of Forgiveness sculpture (el Cristo del Perdón) is worth the token entrance fee.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Preserves the region's architectural and cultural heritage and brings some economic influx to the area.

Conclusion

Atienza offers an attractive combination of medieval churches and ruins of a castle offering enjoyable views over the village from the top of a hill. It may not be enough to justify a long trip but, if you are within a 45mins radius, it is clearly worth a detour.

Key positive

Photogenic ruins of a fortified castle

Key negative

Requires some time investment to get there

Castle is not renovated, little to visit inside

Suitability

Partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility: the castle is best reached and explored walking

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:1h 45m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
The Santísima Trinidad Museum entrance fee is 3€
Free

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