Chillarón Del Rey: History and Landscape

Chillarón Del Rey combines historic architecture, named hiking trails and the landscape around the Entrepeñas Reservoir. If you are looking for a hotel in Chillarón Del Rey, the town offers a variety of ways to enjoy a stay that brings together local history and nature. The parish church of Nuestra Señora de los Huertos stands at the highest point of the small hill. The 16th-century Ermita de San Roque is on Calle Mayor, near the edge of town.

Churches, Townscape and History

Next to the old Ermita de San Roque, west of the town centre, stands the Picota, a symbol of the town's status as a villa. In November 1569, King Felipe II granted Chillarón the status of a villa; afterwards, the town adopted the suffix “del Rey” in its name. The Picota thus provides a visible landmark connected to the history of the town's name.

The steep streets also shape the townscape. They are lined with houses in traditional regional vernacular architecture, featuring carved eaves and doorways with wedge stones. Numerous grilles and wrought-iron details, especially from the 16th and 17th centuries, complement the architecture. The town's historic character is evident not only in its churches and monuments, but also in its houses and street details.

Routes Through the Town

The GR-113 Camino Natural del Tajo reaches Chillarón Del Rey and leaves the town via Calle Mayor in the direction of the Ermita de San Roque. Next to the chapel there is an information board about the long-distance trail and a rest area. The Camino de Santiago also passes through the town; as you enter, San Roque is on the right. The routes offer different points of reference: the GR-113 route through the town and its rest area are clearly marked, while the chapel's location provides a reference point when entering on the Camino de Santiago.

Another route is the Camino de la Fuente del Espino, Ruta 11 Mantiel. It is 15.5 km long and reaches Chillarón Del Rey 4.5 km after the starting point. These details give both the total distance and the point on the route at which the town is reached. The Viaje a la Alcarria tourist and cultural route also passes through Chillarón Del Rey.

Landscape Around Entrepeñas

Chillarón Del Rey sits above the waters of the Entrepeñas Reservoir and offers one of the Alcarria's broadest, most open panoramic views. The Cerro de Cimajo rises above the town. The hill is made of gypsum and limestone and contains hundreds of mica crystals. The landscape also includes the valley of the short Arroyo Saucejo, which flows into the reservoir. The surrounding area is home to vineyards, cereal fields, olive groves and small family gardens.

Festivals and Practical Planning

Los cañamones is celebrated on the third Saturday in June. The patron-saint festivities in honour of the Santísimo Cristo de los Remedios take place on the fourth weekend in August and include, among other things, dancing, music, bull runs and activities for children. If you want to plan your trip around a festival, check the dates for the relevant year.

Fishing in the Entrepeñas Reservoir is part of the area's tourist sports offering. Before taking part, check the local conditions and any permits that may be required. For the drive from Guadalajara and Madrid, the route description lists the N-320, CM-2013, N-204, 700 metres along the CM-2053 and then the GU-966; the total distance is given as 61 km. Check current road conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Zorita De Los Canes, Bustares, Rillo De Gallo, Alcolea Del Pinar, Poveda De La Sierra, El Pobo De Dueñas, Humanes, Torija.

For the main travel overview: Guadalajara.