Sigüenza – Cathedral, Castillo and Historic Old Town

Sigüenza combines a long architectural history with a medieval old town and regional specialties. When searching for a hotel in Sigüenza, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: the cathedral and architecture, the history of the Castillo, the squares and old town, or local cuisine. Then check a hotel’s address in relation to your own travel plans.

The Cathedral and the City’s History

Construction of the Catedral de Santa María began in 1124; it was essentially completed in the 15th century. Its construction history thus spans the 12th to the 15th century. The cathedral is also considered the origin, axis and symbol of Sigüenza. The Sacristy of the Heads is a work by Covarrubias.

The historic old town also provides a point of reference for a culturally focused stay: it has been designated a Conjunto Histórico-Artístico. The Plaza Mayor, also known as Plaza del Mercado, is designed in the Renaissance style and was laid out between 1484 and 1494. Different architectural points of reference therefore stand side by side: the cathedral’s long construction history, the square’s Renaissance style and other historic buildings in the medieval quarter.

During the Procesión de los Faroles, the public lights are switched off. The details of how this is carried out may vary; if this event is important to your plans, check the dates before your trip.

The Castillo and Casa del Doncel

The Castillo de Sigüenza is a Parador Nacional. Its communal areas can be visited free of charge; check the access conditions before your trip. The Castillo was the residence of the bishops of Sigüenza for centuries. Its walls offer a privileged view of the historic old town.

The Casa del Doncel is a Gothic palace in the medieval quarter of Sigüenza. It has stately rooms with Mudéjar friezes and arches decorated with stucco or plaster ornamentation. The Casa is an easy walk from the city centre through the historic old town. Those interested in architecture will find here a different point of reference from the cathedral or Plaza Mayor.

Local Specialties and Getting There

At the Plaza Mayor and in the surrounding bars, you can try the typical Fino seguntino with a Perdigacho or Torreznillos. As individual establishments may change, check in advance where you can find these specialties if you are particularly interested in trying them.

Sigüenza can be reached via the A-2 between Madrid and Zaragoza. The Mirador Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente is nearby and accessible by car; there is a car park close by. The viewpoint has been adapted for people with reduced mobility. If you plan to stop there, check the access facilities again before you travel.

This allows you to choose accommodation to suit your own travel plans, without assuming that every visitor has the same focus for their stay.

Discover more destinations: Imón, Alcuneza, Majaelrayo, Alhóndiga, Pálmaces De Jadraque, Carabias, Tamajón, Luzón.

For the broader travel overview: Guadalajara.