Sigüenza is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Ok, this opinion is not entirely objective, but what do you want? If you are proud of your origins, why hide it! The City of the Doncel has a long history, and it is the passage of different cultures throughout time that has given it this special character. But, what to see and do in Sigüenza ?
If you really want to enjoy its charms, you should lose yourself in the tangled streets of Las Travesañas (the old medieval town) and let your imagination transport you to a distant time. Between the thick walls of the Castle or the dim lights of the Cathedral you will feel that time has stopped, but Sigüenza looks to the future with the energy of a runaway train, and we hope that the new generations know how to preserve the heritage that their ancestors gave them.
In this travel guide to Sigüenza we are going to give you the best tips to make the most of your days in this land. We will tell you the essential places to visit, the restaurants where you can try the local cuisine, nearby excursions, as well as suggesting a walking route and a few tips that only those of us from Sigüenza know. Are you in?
Sigüenza is one of the 8 most beautiful towns in Castilla-La Mancha that we consider to be the most beautiful and it always makes it into the national rankings… There must be a reason, right?
1. What to see and do in Sigüenza
Sigüenza was a very prosperous medieval city, so most of the places of interest are related to this period. But be careful because it hides a few surprises and plans that make Sigüenza one of the best weekend getaways and a top rural destination in Spain.
These are the main places you have to visit in Sigüenza:
✓ Sigüenza Castle-Parador
Occupied by various peoples throughout its history, this enclave in the highest part of the town was chosen by the Arabs to build their citadel due to its unbeatable position. After the reconquest in 1124, it passed into Christian hands, becoming the "humble" ecclesiastical residence during the following centuries. It suffered extensions, destruction and restoration, the last one destined to house a magnificent Parador where today you can stay (it is not so expensive, here you can see prices and book it ).
If you have found another alternative (for example, one of the wonderful rural houses spread throughout Sigüenza), we recommend that you take a stroll around the beautiful Patio de Armas (ask permission at reception first) and stop by for a drink in the cafeteria.
They say that the soul of Doña Blanca de Borbón , who was locked behind these walls for several years, wanders through its corridors . Do you dare to have a ghostly encounter?
✓ The Cathedral, a must-see in Sigüenza
Construction began in the 12th century and the church is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles . The main façade is notable for its two imposing towers, which give it the appearance of a fortification, but its interior is not lacking in ornamental details, such as rose windows and ribbed vaults, a beautiful choir carved in walnut wood, the Altarpiece of Santa Librada and various chapels and sacristies, such as the Sacristía de las Cabezas (where, by the way, there is a copy of the Polyglot Bible that Cardinal Cisneros had made).
Without forgetting of course the quintessential image of Sigüenza: El Doncel . This is a funerary sculpture carved in alabaster of enormous artistic value, which represents the young knight of the Order of Santiago, Martín Vázquez de Arce.
In recent years, a major effort has been made to offer a complete and educational experience to visitors. Around the cloister , several of its old rooms and chapels have been converted to house interesting objects, such as the collection of Flemish tapestries , three historic flags (one of them belonging to the ships of the corsair Francis Drake) or the painting of the Annunciation by El Greco.
The entrance fee is €8 ( with audio guide). You can book it online and it also allows you to enter the Diocesan Museum, opposite the Cathedral.
✓ Main Square
This is the place where the local market used to be held, the most important event in the daily life of the locals. Today it houses the Town Hall , from whose balcony the opening speech is given to kick off the August festivities, and other buildings with very photogenic arcades . There are also terraces where you can sit at any time of the day to replenish your energy (those Mariano churritos!).
From here, Calle Mayor starts , which goes up to the castle and enters the historic centre. Don't miss it, as it is the most beautiful street in Sigüenza.
✓ House of the Maid
This is one of the places you must see in Sigüenza. It was the family home of the most illustrious person in Sigüenza, the Doncel, although other families with different cultures and religions had previously lived there. An example of this is the impressive polychrome Mudejar arch that was discovered during the restoration of the house carried out by the University of Alcalá and that remained hidden for centuries. There are also Mudejar borders that decorate the wooden ceilings and other elements such as beautiful plaster windows in the same style.
In addition to these unique and priceless treasures , the rooms inside host very interesting exhibitions, such as one dedicated to the craft of carpet weaving, so deeply rooted in Sigüenza. Admission costs a symbolic €2.
And for those who wish to combine culture with pleasure, on the ground floor of the building and through a 13th-century Gothic arch, you will reach a restaurant with exceptionally prepared local dishes.
The Casa del Doncel is located in the heart of Las Travesañas, in a small square that is especially loved by the people of Sigüenza. It is here that the bonfire of San Vicente , the patron saint of the city, is celebrated every January 21st . I still remember painting my face with the firebrands we used to paint and eating the typical doughnuts of the saint in my childhood.
✓ Church of Santiago
As a kid we hardly ever noticed this half-ruined building on Calle Mayor. However, the façade always seemed interesting to me and only a few knew what was hidden behind it. Well, the Church of Santiago is one of the oldest in the entire historic centre of Sigüenza (12th century) and one of the most historically important.
The beautiful semicircular doorway, with a medallion of the apostle Santiago , survived the Civil War, but not the rest of the church, which is why for many generations it was always closed (I still remember looking inside through the rusty peephole and seeing nothing but ruins).
Fortunately, a thorough restoration project has been underway for a few years now, which has revealed new surprises (such as the remains of an ancient Islamic tower) and has allowed it to be opened to the public free of charge.
✓ Prison Square
This was the nerve centre of medieval Segontia , the place where the market and the Town Hall were located before they were moved to the Plaza Mayor. Today we can still feel something of that air of the past, impregnated in the coats of arms of the Catholic Monarchs, of Cardinal López de Carvajal and of the city, which still appear on the façade of the old Town Hall, or in its characteristic porticos .
After being forgotten for a few years, it seems to be experiencing a second youth and today it is one of the favourite places for the people of Sigüenza to meet up. The reason is due to the initiatives of a few young people who want to get started, so if you come here, don't forget to have a drink at the Taberna El Boliche and dinner at La Tascona de la Cárcel .
And if you're wondering, its name is in fact due to the fact that one of the side buildings housed the city jail .
✓ Getting lost in the Travesañas
Most of the places we have mentioned so far are located in the old city, known as Las Travesañas, where the three cultures that have contributed so much to the history of our country coexisted: Jews, Muslims and Christians. In fact, there are small neighborhoods known as the Arrabal de la Morería or the Jewish Quarter.
But there are many other interesting corners that appear as you go deeper into its narrow streets. Some that you cannot miss are the 12th century Church of San Vicente with a beautiful archivolt portico, the Puerta del Hierro with its characteristic tower, the Puerta del Sol that receives the first rays of the day, the Torre or Cubo del Peso that was part of the old medieval wall, the Pósito converted into an auditorium, or the Church of Santa María .
✓ The Alameda
Not without some controversy (you know, the typical political disputes within towns), the mythical Alameda, that is, the urban park that forms the backbone of the "modern city" , has been remodeled to give it a fresher and more modern feel, maintaining elements that have accompanied all the people of Sigüenza on their walks for centuries.
If you have to meet someone, it will be in La Alameda, and there is no better place to do it than having a drink on the terrace of one of the kiosks that liven up this little green lung of Sigüenza. If you want some advice, go to Quisco El Triunfo and order a Fino Seguntino (the 2.0 version with fruit foam is to die for). Everything has a reason: the person who prepares them, the great Nacho, has won several cocktail awards, so I leave you in good hands 😉
✓ Hermitage of Santa Maria de los Huertos
Perhaps between sips you'll catch a glimpse of a stone building in the distance, peeking out from between the leaves of the trees. It's the Gothic-style Hermitage of Santa María de los Huertos, which for centuries has watched imperturbably as the city and its inhabitants age with time.
The stones are the ones who observe, but the ones who break the sepulchral silence are the Poor Clares, whose congregation still lives within the walls of the adjoining convent. You can go and say hello to them (always through the turnstile) and take home their homemade sweets under your arm : chocolate truffles (their specialty), cakes, biscuits and muffins.
✓ Other visits in Sigüenza
Around La Alameda there are more places to include in your day of visiting Sigüenza. Among them the Convent of the Ursulinas and the Placita de las Cruces, the Hermitage of San Roque where temporary exhibitions are organized from time to time, the Episcopal Palace and the Seminary , beautiful baroque buildings that formerly housed the university and that hopefully one day can be rededicated to cultural spaces, or the Ermita del Humilladero .
✓ El Cid Viewpoint
Sigüenza is located in a valley surrounded by hills, which I have always considered our protectors. On one of them, the one at the entrance to the town, a viewing point has been installed from where you can probably have the best views of Sigüenza from above. To get there it is advisable to use the car, it is quite far from the centre and the road is not very attractive (and it is quite steep).
2. Walking tour of Sigüenza
Here we leave you a suggested walking route through Sigüenza, passing through its most emblematic places (below you have a map with the route):
- We start at the Tourist Office , where we can gather all the information so that nothing escapes us.
- The first stop should be the Cathedral . Take your time to explore it thoroughly and optionally enter the Diocesan Museum.
- We will walk down Calle Cardenal Mendoza (the liveliest shopping street in Sigüenza) until we reach the enormous and beautiful building of the Episcopal Palace .
- From there we can take Calle Valencia (be careful because we start to go up), passing by the Torreón , which was part of the Old Walls, the Fuente de los Cuatro Caños , and we will come face to face with the Parish of Santa María .
- This will not be the end of the climb, we continue walking to cross the Arch of the Portal Mayor and enter the medieval heart of Sigüenza.
- Another arch will come our way: the Puerta del Hierro , with its adjoining tower. Behind it is the Plazuela de la Cárcel , the Church of San Vicente and in front of it, the Casa del Doncel , open to the public.
- Just a few steps from there we can also visit the interior of the curious Church of Santiago , on the same Calle Mayor .
- It's time to get to one of the highlights of the day: the Castle . Don't be shy about going inside and visiting its Parade Ground and having a drink in its cafeteria.
- From here I suggest a different plan: walk along the Paseo de La Ronda , which winds its way along the slope of the castle, leaving the vastness of the pine forest to our right. The views are the best.
- Without realizing it, you will arrive back at the medieval city, which you will enter through another gate: The Puerta del Sol .
- Then we go down Calle Mayor towards Plaza Mayor , and opposite, at the end of the street, the Cathedral will rise imposingly. This is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful postcards of Sigüenza.
- Another is the arcades of the Plaza Mayor , at one end of which is the beautiful Town Hall building .
- We will leave again through another gate, the Puerta del Toril , and after a few steps crossing the hidden aqueduct , we will stop at the Mirador de la Ronda , from where you can see the profile of the old city, with the Church of Santiago and the Castle standing out in the background.
- We now go down Paseo Vadillo , turn left towards the Hermitage of San Roque (this is another interesting panoramic point) and from there we will pass by the Convent of the Ursulines , one of the most beautiful buildings in the town.
- From here we will enter La Alameda , which in summer is full of people and terraces. But don't forget to go to the Convento de las Clarisas and try one of the homemade desserts they prepare: the truffles are a hit!
- It's time to start thinking about going to bed... at the other end of La Alameda we find the Ermita del Humilladero , and just opposite, the Restaurante El Doncel , with a Michelin Star, the ideal place to put the finishing touch to this wonderful day in Sigüenza (remember to book!).
This is the map with the entire route and the things to see and do in Sigüenza, clearly marked:
3. Some nature
If you love nature and want to take advantage of this getaway to Sigüenza to disconnect from the world, take a long walk breathing fresh air through the large pine forest that extends behind the castle . Your lungs will thank you.
There are several interesting routes ( here you can see a few suggested routes ) but my favourite is the one that starts behind the castle and passes by the Polvorín, the Fuente Picardas, and continues towards Barbatona, then returning by the Oasis and again reaching the castle. It combines several different sections, some across flat rock (where you can clearly see marks of ancient settlements), others through pure pine forest and others with excellent panoramic views. A tip: try not to make too much noise and keep your eyes open, it is not unusual to see roe deer roaming around freely.
4. What and where to eat in Sigüenza
If nothing else, the food here is amazing! If you fancy a local dish, you can order Castilian soups , or Castilian crumbs , pickled trout or trout with ham. And of course, the mother of all the lambs (never better said) is the lamb and goat baked in a stone oven , the eighth wonder of the world!
There are several restaurants along Calle Mayor and in Las Travesañas that serve delicious barbecue. Although for me the best place for a good barbecue is the restaurant La Cabaña , about 5 km away on the road to Palazuelos (check opening times and book in advance).
A couple of places where you can enjoy local food at affordable prices (including barbecue) are: Mesón (C/Seminario, 14), or Mesón Castilla (C/ Santa Barbara 2).
If you prefer to save a little money and replenish your energy with something simpler like tapas or sandwiches, there are several options in the most central area of Sigüenza, on the streets of Vicente Moñux, Cardenal Mendoza, Adv Pio XII or Paseo de La Alameda. They are Bar Alameda , Bar Fielato , Bar París , Don Rodrigo , Bar Ademar , Bar Gayusa , Milano and one of the most emblematic in Sigüenza: Kentia , where you can eat like a king!
However, if you want to treat yourself, you should know that in Sigüenza there are two (yes, two!) Michelin-starred restaurants . They are El Doncel and El Molino de Alcuneza (about 5 km away). As you can see, Sigüenza takes good food very seriously, so if gastronomy is important to you on your travels, it is a perfect destination. Remember to book in advance!
Finally, several events related to local gastronomy are held throughout the year , such as the Medieval Pintxos and Tapas Competition, the Mycological Days or the Fino Seguntino Days.
Go out for a drink
This is the easiest part of the guide, as most of the places to have a drink are concentrated on Calle Vicente Moñux (also known as La Senda). We recommend: Oboe, Oscar and Nerea.
In addition to being in this area, you can also have vermouth in one of the beach bars in La Alameda (in summer) or on the Paseo de La Alameda (recommended is “el Vita”). Other notable places are El Bolitxe (in the Plazuela de la Cárcel), or Pub JL (in the Plaza de la Puerta de Hierro).
* Thanks Txema for this hard field work 😉
5. Alternative plan, active tourism
The surroundings of Sigüenza allow for many activities to be carried out in nature , from interpretive hiking routes in various surrounding natural parks suitable for all levels, to mountain bike routes or multi-adventure circuits with rappelling, climbing, archery, etc.
The Barbatona Ecotourism Centre offers these and other activities, perfect for groups, couples who want to enjoy a different trip, or families with children. The best thing to do is to call 651 917 311 and find out about the programme for those days.
6. Getaways around Sigüenza
Have you already visited Sigüenza and are you looking forward to more (I'm surprised… hehe)? You can consider a short getaway to the surrounding area. Here are some suggestions:
– Pelegrina . Where Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente filmed some of his episodes, there are beautiful natural landscapes, with a viewpoint of the Río Dulce Canyon and some interesting hiking routes. It is located about 15 km away and after the walk, there is nothing better than having a few beers in the town bar.
– Palazuelos . A small walled town, perfect for a photo shoot. About 10 km away, heading towards Atienza by the station. Nearby you can also visit Carabias and its Church of San Salvador.
– Atienza . A pretty town with some stone buildings and squares that are worth a visit. About 30 km away. On the way, take the opportunity to stop for a moment at the old Imón Salt Flats, which offer a unique landscape.
– Medinaceli . A charming medieval town, one of the best places to visit near Sigüenza (and not just for its torreznos!). About 30 km in the direction of Zaragoza.
– Route through the Black Villages . It passes through several towns in Guadalajara where slate-based buildings predominate, hence its name. They are a bit far away, but if you have several days in the region it can be interesting.
– Monasterio de Piedra . A natural park with impressive waterfalls for a family day out.
7. Events in Sigüenza
There are many interesting events in Sigüenza, art exhibitions, gastronomic events, activities for children, concerts, etc. You can see all the events by date in this calendar .
8. Practical information
Below we provide you with all the useful information you will need to plan your visit to Sigüenza in the best way possible:
› Best time to visit Sigüenza
Sigüenza is located at an altitude of 1,000 metres, so you should take this into account when planning your visit. The best time to go is between April and September . However, outside of this period you are sure to find a sunny weekend, and even if it is cold, it will be wonderful to sit on a terrace.
* Weather forecast for the next 7 days
Also, if you happen to be there during one of the local festivals , you will be very welcome. These are:
- San Vicente with the bonfire and doughnuts: January 22 (the bonfire is celebrated the day before).
- Holy Week , with its processions.
- Saint John and his arches: June 23.
- Medieval Days : second weekend in July.
- San Roque and its week of festivities: from August 12 to 17.
› How to get to Sigüenza
These are the two alternatives to get to Sigüenza:
By car
It's sooooo easy to get there, so you have no excuses! If you're coming from Madrid on the A-2 , take the detour at km 104 and you'll be here in 25 km! In total, it's about 130 km, and it takes less than 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there. As you can see, it's right next door. If you're coming from Barcelona, the detour is at Alcolea del Pinar.
By the way, in Sigüenza there is no charge for parking (for now), so you can leave your car in the designated parking lots without worrying about fines.
By public transport
If you want to come by public transport, the best option is the train . There are several regional trains from Madrid and Soria throughout the day. Take a look at the Renfe website to find the one that best suits your plan. The price per journey is between €12 and €14, but if you book a return trip they give you a small discount. If you also want to spend an unforgettable weekend, you can hop on the Medieval Train and start your adventure as soon as you leave Madrid. Here you have more information .
There is also the option of arriving by bus from Madrid and Guadalajara with the company Samar. Check out their website for schedules and prices .
› Where to stay in Sigüenza
In recent years, Sigüenza has been recognised by many media as one of the most outstanding rural destinations in Spain. This means that there is more and more hotel accommodation available, and that is a good thing. Most hotels/country houses continue with the medieval atmosphere of the rest of the city, and of course, the wonderful Parador in the castle of Sigüenza is the most popular choice. If you have a generous budget, this is a good option.
There are other more affordable options that still retain their charm, especially the rural houses scattered around the city. These are good examples:
- Porta Coeli Hostel
- The Four Pipes Country House
- Lucia's Mansion
Sigüenza also has hotels and hostels with modern and comfortable rooms, in a more urban style, such as these:
- Hotel el Doncel
- Dona Blanca Hostel
- HC Hotel
- Castle House
- Labyrinth Hotel
There are currently a couple of hostels that offer beds in shared rooms. Perfect if you are backpacking or traveling alone and want to meet other fellow travelers. They are:
- Sigüenza Hostel
- City of the Maiden Hostel
And if you like wellness tourism , 5 km from Sigüenza is the Hotel & Spa Molino de Alcuneza , with a spa area with a hammam, sauna and contrast shower.
In the pine forest, approximately 1 km from the city, there is a camping area . If you prefer to bring your own tent and sleep surrounded by nature, with wonderful views of the stars, the best thing to do is to call the Town Hall on 949390850 and ask.
› Typical products from Sigüenza
If you want to take home a souvenir from Sigüenza, what better than some artisanal product. The people of Sigüenza have followed the artisan tradition of their ancestors, as shown by the wineskins of Jesús Blasco , the mirrors , pottery , tapestries and chiseled products . There are several shops selling these products on Calle Cardenal Mendoza and Calle Mayor.
The honey from this area is also famous , and there is no other honey like Valderomero honey! You can find it just past the train station. And if you still need something sweeter, you can buy some pastries from the Clarisas in their convent in La Alameda.
Oh! And if you want a great guide to accompany you on a visit to Sigüenza , explaining the history and curiosities of this great city, don't hesitate, Jorge Sopeña is your man! Here is his page . To contact him call 674 49 37 47, he will answer any questions you have. He is very nice. And if you are a large group, you may be interested in booking this private guided tour .
And finally, if you need more information you can contact the tourist office directly by email at turismo @ seguiranza.es or by phone at 949 34 70 07.
Just 1 hour and a half from Madrid, we can travel back in time, eat like marquises, breathe fresh air and, ultimately, enjoy a perfect rural getaway in the beautiful city of Doncel: Sigüenza . You no longer have an excuse not to come, so you are all invited!
We hope that our Travel Guide , where we tell you everything to see and do in Sigüenza , helps you plan your visit 😉
