Atienza village & castle
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Atienza - by jose ignacio lamaignere on Google
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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)
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
av. transport time:1h 15m
est. visit time:1h 45m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo