Walk through the historic Molina de Aragón and its great medieval castle

Pin
Send
Share
Send

Old Bridge of Molina de Aragón in Guadalajara

I had been interested in knowing for some time Molina de Aragón, in the Guadalajara province, to be aware of the existence of a great castle.

And the truth is that in the recent visit of this town, which will surely sound to you for its earned reputation of being one of the places in Spain where temperatures fall more in winter, I discovered an enclave with a long history in medieval times.

This visit was framed in a getaway to Molina-Alto Tajo Geopark where I also discovered other interesting places like Zafra castle.

Molina de Aragón Castle in Guadalajara

Molina de Aragón, despite its name, it is not located in the current territory of Aragon, but northeast of the aforementioned province of Castilla la Mancha, one of the least populated areas of Spain.

In fact, Molina de Aragón It is not a town that is in one of the main routes that cross our country, but it is necessary to go expressly to visit it.

It is a medieval town that is characterized by maintaining authenticity.

History of Molina de Aragón

While the existence of the current enclave of Molina de Aragón dates back to the time of the Romans, their first historical references date back to the time of the kingdoms of Taifas during the Muslim occupation of the peninsula.

Church of Santa Clara in Molina de Aragón in Guadalajara

An outstanding fact was when Alfonso I the Battler reconquer the territory in the year 1129.

Don Manrique de Lara it will repopulate it and the fueros were recognized by the king in 1154, creating the independent manor of the Lords of Lara That would last several centuries.

It was during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries when the castle and its walls are built, as well as various convents.

As a curiosity I will tell you that in 1369 Molina becomes part of the kingdom of Aragon under the rule of Peter IV, and it is in 1375 when it changes its previous name of Molina of the Knights for the current of Molina de Aragón.

A century later Henry IV deliver the Señorío de Molina to Cave Beltran, before what the Molinese rise in arms.

Finally Isabel the Catholic grants the privilege that Molina de Aragón Always belong to Castilla.

Jewish Quarter in Molina de Aragón in Guadalajara

In the sixteenth century is when Molina lives its time of greatest splendor, with a significant increase in population.

Subsequently, Molina de Aragón was sacked and burned during the French occupation in the War of Independence.

But finally the Molinese managed to expel the French troops, so that in 1821 the King Ferdinand VI awarded to Molina de Aragón he city ​​title.

What to see and do in Molina de Aragón

For visit Molina de Aragón, it is advisable to start it with a route through the historic center to finally conclude with the castle visit.

Church of Santa Clara in Molina de Aragón in Guadalajara

This route can be started in the tourist office located in the old College of Escolapios, from the 18th century.

Church of Santa Clara in Molina de Aragón

The first highlighted corner is going to be the church of Santa Clara of the thirteenth century, with its Romanesque cover of French influence and its interior of Gothic style.

Next to the church is an old convent of the year 1531, in which at present there are about 12 Claret nuns of closing with an average age of 80 years.

Church of San Pedro in Molina de Aragón

On the way to the Plaza de España you will pass by the St. Peter's Church 16th century, where the Mudejar tower stands out.

Spain Square in Molina de Aragón in Guadalajara

In its interior it shows an altarpiece of the XVIII century that was made to measure of the apse, and also the body of Valentine's Day.

Today the church is run by the Romanian Orthodox community.

In this same enclave you can see the 16th-century Italian-style palatial building, which housed a convent of Ursuline nuns, which have now been moved to another smaller building at the foot of the castle.

Spain Square in Molina de Aragón

When you get to the Spain Square you will see that it is one of the most beautiful corners of Molina de Aragón.

Bathroom Door Square in Molina de Aragón in Guadalajara

There is the Town Hall with the plaque that recalls the city title granted to the population.

Jewish Quarter in Molina de Aragón

But it is when entering the old Jewish Quarter when you find the corners that best move you to medieval times.

You will continue along one of the two parallel streets until you reach an area where you can see remains of the old medieval wall in the square where the Bathroom door.

In that area you can also see the church of Santa María del Conde 16th century

If from there you return following the walk next to the Gallo river, you will arrive at the enclave where you can see one of the icon images of the city of Molina de Aragón.

Jewish Quarter in Molina de Aragón in Guadalajara

Old Bridge in Molina de Aragón

It is the panoramic set that forms the Old Bridge that crosses the river with the bottom of the castle that rises on the hill under which Molina de Aragón sits.

Saying Romanesque bridge It is from the 12th century and is built with ashlars.

Another outstanding panorama of this city is the one that you have if by car you take the road that goes to the southwest of it, where you can stop to see the image of the castle with Molina de Aragón at his feet.

In the environment of Old Bridge you can finally see other prominent buildings, like the one in the old church of San Miguel, now a private house.

Old church of San Miguel in Molina de Aragón in Guadalajara

Wave church of Santa María la Mayor, which was built in the thirteenth century, but in 1915 was destroyed by a fire, so that the building you now see is a restoration of 1924.

How to visit the castle of Molina de Aragón

Finally it is time to visit the castle of Molina de Aragón.

It is built from an ancient Arab fortress of the 10th century, whose walls and towers correspond to those you now find at the top of it.

The fortification was extended during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

Molina de Aragón Castle in Guadalajara

With a large extension on the hillside, in the visit what you can do is to travel part of the walls as well as climb to some tower, and reaching the top will cost you about 20 minutes.

The tower you see at the top of the hill is known as Aragon Tower, and fulfilled the function of watchtower.

He entrance fee to visit the castle It's 3 euros, but if you sign up for Guided visits which organizes the tourist office, the price is 5 euros.

How to get to Molina de Aragón

Molina de Aragón It is located northeast of the province of Guadalajara, two hours from Madrid on the A2 to Alcolea del Pinar, where you must take the N-211 road.

Pin
Send
Share
Send