Ayllón

Ayllón combines an Old Town designated a Bien de Interés Cultural with castle hills and the peaks of the Sierra de Ayllón, which surround the town. This gives you different themes to consider when planning your trip: squares and historic buildings in the town, as well as the geological character of the hills. These details can help you choose the focus of your stay based on your interests and travel dates.

Old Town, squares, and historic buildings

Plaza Mayor is a square lined with arcades. Its old arcades and striking pillars are considered a distinctive feature of the town. The square is home to the Fuente de Cuatro Caños. It was built in 1892 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. Casa del Águila is a stately house built of ashlar stone. It takes its name from a coat of arms in the shape of the eagle of Saint John displayed on its façade.

The former fortifications and noble houses also tell of different chapters in the town’s history. El Arco is one of the three former town gates; it bears the coats of arms of four prominent families. Palacio de los Contreras was built by Juan de Contreras in 1497. At Iglesia de San Miguel, the Romanesque apses and the portal with its rosette, zigzag, and checkerboard patterns are noteworthy.

Only the La Martina tower and stone foundations remain of Iglesia de San Martín del Castillo. La Martina served as a watchtower and, until the 16th century, as the bell tower of the former church. Ayllón Town Hall was built in the 16th century, remodeled at the beginning of the 19th century, and damaged by a fire in 1945, in which only the façade survived. Palacio del Obispo Vellosillo houses the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Ayllón; check current access arrangements before visiting.

Further traces of the past lead to Santa María la Mayor and Casa-Palacio de María Eugenia de Montijo. The main altarpiece of Santa María la Mayor came from the San Francisco convent and was transferred there after the start of the desamortización in 1840. The first documented mention of Casa-Palacio dates to 1693. It served as a resting place for María Eugenia de Montijo on her journeys between Paris and Madrid.

Castle hills and landscape

The clay wall remains known as Los Paredones have survived on the hill where Ayllón Castle once stood. The castle hills are made up of reddish and brown conglomerates, sandstones, and claystones. These rocks formed during the Cenozoic era through the action of rivers and torrents. Underground wine cellars are also part of this landscape’s history: alternating layers of sandstone and clay made their construction possible. Traditional wine cellars and pressing houses are located on the castle hills beside the Aguisejo River. In this way, geological features add another perspective on the development of the townscape to its architectural history.

Festivals and theatrical tours

Ayllón Medieval takes place on the last weekend of July. The program includes a market, threshing, street theater, falconry, storytelling, and competitions. There are also dinners for nobles and commoners, as well as Celtic music. Check the current dates and annual program before your trip. The festivities in honor of San Miguel Arcángel take place on September 29; individual details may vary from year to year.

A theatrical tour presents historical events from the 13th century to the present day. It is led by a guide, lasts about one hour and 45 minutes, and includes six theatrical scenes. If you are interested in this way of learning about history, allow for the approximate duration when planning, and check availability and reservation details before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Grado Del Pico, La Granja De San Ildefonso, La Lastrilla, Tolocirio, San Cristóbal De Segovia, Pelayos del Arroyo, Valverde Del Majano, Torreiglesias.

For the broader travel overview: Segovia.