The charming medieval town considered "the Hollywood of Guadalajara"

In Castilla-La Mancha we can find interesting castles that have played a significant role in the history of Spain. For example, in the Northern Sierra of Guadalajara, We'll come across an imposing fortress that dominates the landscape. Specifically, it's located in Atienza, a town full of buildings from the Middle Ages.

It's a small town, but full of charm, tradition, and, above all, a wealth of history . Its 18 Romanesque churches, arcaded squares, streets frozen in time, and its Moorish castle have turned the town into a film set that has been used in various big-screen productions.

A town that transports you to the past

Walking through the cobbled streets of Atienza is like taking a trip back in time. Its Romanesque churches, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, are architectural gems that represent the town's cultural and religious significance during the Middle Ages.

One of the town's main attractions is undoubtedly its impressive Moorish castle, which sits atop a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape. Built in the 9th century, it played a key role in the border struggles between Muslims and Christians. From the top of its walls, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area, making it an ideal place to take good photographs and enjoy the beauty and immensity of the landscape.

In addition to churches and castles, Atienza has a variety of museums dedicated primarily to the town's origins and religious art. This tour will give you a deeper understanding of its cultural history and the beauty of the works created by its artisans.

One of the best times to visit the town is during the month of May, when the Fiesta de la Caballada (Caballada Festival) is celebrated, a tradition dating back to the 13th century. During the festival, horse races are held through the town's streets, where riders demonstrate their outstanding skills. It's a unique opportunity to learn about Atienza's traditions while enjoying the lively atmosphere.

"The Hollywood of Guadalajara"

The medieval palace of Casas del Cordón ; the churches of Santa María del Rey, Nuestra Señora del Val and San Juan del Mercado, along with the convent of San Francisco and the remains of the wall that can be seen near the castle, are some of the places in the town that have been featured in several films and series . The best example of this is Las yroyanas , a film shot in 1971 and filmed in the Moorish castle. Other feature films include A Judicial Error in 1974, Love Letters from a Nun in 1978, and the series Máscara Negra in 1982.

But what has stood out most recently was an advertisement for the final season of Game of Thrones, where HBO chose the town as one of five locations where fans of the series could take photos next to a replica of its famous Iron Throne. The sword embedded in a rock near the castle was a gift from the production company.