Guadalajara, situated above the left bank of the Río Henares some 56km/35mi from Madrid, is now very much under the influence of the capital. This ancient city was founded by the Iberians and later conquered by the Arabs. In fact, Its name is derived from the Arabic Wad al-Hajarah ("river of stones"). Its importance as an urban centre increased in the 12th century, when Alfonso VII granted a charter to the city, which was later extended by the kings Fernando III and Alfonso X.

Subsequently, tThe powerful Mendoza family, who gained possession of Guadalajara in the 14th century, left their mark on the town. They received the lordship of Guadalajara and made the city splendid for centuries. Finally, Guadalajara was reconquered in 1085 by Alvar Fanies de Manaya. During the Spanish Civil War (in March 1937), the "battle of Guadalajara" between Republican and Italian forces was fought at Brihuega, northeast of the town.

The rich history of the capital of La Alcarria has left an important architectural legacy in its old town. The most characteristic building is the "Palacio de los Duques del Infanto", build in 1461 by Juan Guias and considered a real symbol of the city. Another Renaissance construction is the "Palacio de los Mendoza", with two Plateresque doorways. Among the noteworthy religious buildings are:"Santa Maria de la Fuente", which was build using the remains of a mosque, the church of Santiago, the convent of Santa Clara (XIV Century), the Baroque Jesuit church of San Nicolás el Real, the Renaissance-style church of San Gines, the church of San Francisco (XV Century), etc.

Other areas of interest and beautiful sights are: The pedestrianised Calle Mayor, which is the spine of the historic part of the provincial capital. In the Calle Mayor you'll find several historic buildings like with buildings of great historic value like the City Hall, the great houses of the Plaza de los Dávalos or the old palace of the Mendozas.

Province: Guadalajara / Autonomous Region: Castile-La Mancha
Tourist Office: Plaza de los Caídos, 6 - 19071 Guadalajara (Guadalajara)
Tel. +34 949211626 Fax +34 949211626