Alarcón, located in the province of Cuenca, Spain, stands as a historical and patrimonial enclave of unparalleled beauty. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1981, this medieval town transports visitors to a past full of knights, battles and legends.
The Parador de Alarcón, located in the castle of Alarcón, rises majestically over the Júcar River, from the top of the Pico de los Hidalgos, in a privileged enclave that offers impressive panoramic views of the area. With more than 13 centuries of history, this castle, considered the best preserved in the province of Cuenca, has witnessed numerous historical events and houses a Parador Nacional de Turismo that perfectly combines medieval charm with modern comforts.
All of the castle's interior rooms have been carefully restored and redecorated to offer guests a unique experience.
The castle of Alarcón has its origins in pre-Roman times and throughout its history has been an Arab citadel and Christian stronghold since 1184. Its current structure, in Gothic style with a Renaissance keep, is articulated around a small inner courtyard with a cistern. On the outside, the three lines of original walls surround the castle and link it to the fortifications of the town of Alarcón. The old parade ground, now converted into gardens and parking for the Parador, retains its medieval character.
Among the famous lords of the castle is Don Juan Manuel (1282-1348), author of the book “El Conde Lucanor”, one of the most important works of medieval Castilian literature.
A labyrinth of cobblestone streets:
Entering the streets of Alarcón is like stepping back in time. Its narrow cobblestone streets, flanked by stone and adobe houses, invite you to take a leisurely stroll and discover the most charming corners of the town. Among its points of interest are the Plaza Mayor, the Town Hall, the Church of Santa María and the Church of San Juan Bautista, the latter with 16th century mural paintings declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Alarcón is located in a natural environment of great beauty, surrounded by forests, mountains and the Júcar River. This natural wealth offers visitors the possibility of carrying out various outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling or simply enjoying a picnic in the middle of nature.
Although the Middle Ages is the period that has marked the identity of Alarcón, the town also offers other attractions for its visitors. The Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de la Pintura Mural de Jesús Mateo houses a collection of works by this renowned artist, and the Museo de Paleontología de Castilla-La Mancha shows the paleontological wealth of the region.
An ideal destination for:
History and heritage buffs.
Art and culture lovers
Those looking for a quiet escape in nature
Families with children
Tips for your visit:
The best time to visit Alarcón is during spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes to walk through the cobblestone streets of the village.
Don't forget to try the local gastronomy, which includes typical dishes such as morteruelo conquense or ajo arriero.
If you are traveling by car, keep in mind that parking in the center of town is limited.
Alarcón is waiting for you to discover its charms and immerse yourself in a journey to the Middle Ages.
