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- publicado 29.12.2023
- por Cuenqueando
- AlarconUNESCOAlarconUNESCO
Alarcon: history, medieval charm and essential art in the province of Cuenca
Cuenca is a treasure full of architecture, nature, and rich gastronomy, but among its jewels, Alarcón stands out as one of the most picturesque towns in Spain. Located on the steep gorge of the Júcar, this natural enclave is the personification of the ideal town. Its medieval castle, founded by King Alfonso VIII in the 12th century and renovated during the Renaissance by the Infante Don Juan Manuel, is an architectural marvel. Surrounded by original walls and featuring the Renaissance-style Torre del Homenaje, the castle now houses the Parador Nacional de Alarcón, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in history when staying in its facilities. Discover more about the impressive parish of Santa María, the charm of the Church of the Holy Trinity, and the fascinating Mural Paintings of Jesús Mateo in the old church of San Juan Bautista, declared of World Artistic Interest by UNESCO since 1997. With a gastronomic offer that delights the senses, Alarcón is a destination that you cannot miss on your next visit to Cuenca.
HISTORY OF ALARCÓN CASTLE
When we access its walled enclosure from the entrance we immerse ourselves in a journey to the Middle Ages. The castle retains part of its Muslim aroma but its subsequent renovations bring us closer to maiden times. It is an authentic medieval fortress whose foundation is attributed to King Alfonso VIII, according to the Chronicle of the Wise King, in the 12th century. Later, during the Renaissance, it was renovated by the Infante Don Juan Manuel, grandson of King Ferdinand III of Castile, one of the most famous lords of the castle, who went down in history for his book “El Conde Lucanor”.
The castle has a square plan, surrounded by the three lines of original wall, which join it to the rest of the fortifications of the town of Alarcón, of which the Torre del Homenaje stands out, in Renaissance style, with battlements topped with arrowheads. The complex is structured around a small interior patio with a cistern that makes it spectacular.
On the outside, the castle is surrounded and still preserves the old walled parade ground, which is currently gardens and parking. Nowadays it is possible to visit this castle, even stay in it, because it is the Parador Nacional de Alarcón.
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ARCHITECTURE AND MONUMENTS
Some of the most notable treasures of this town are the impressive parish of Santa María, whose architecture leaves you speechless, as well as its beautiful Renaissance altarpiece.
Another essential point in Alarcón is the church of the Santísima Trinidad, which preserves reminiscences of the Romanesque in its central nave.
But since 1997, one of the most unique visions of art in Cuenca has joined this incredible group: The Mural Paintings of Jesús Mateo in the old church of San Juan Bautista, a beautiful Herrerian building built at the end of the 16th century. This church serves as the setting for an extraordinary set of mural paintings, not in vain was it declared of World Artistic Interest by UNESCO. Here Nature and Man are the pretext to configure a very personal universe of Jesús Mateo, creation and the cosmos are the protagonists of this work that will leave you amazed.
And if that's not enough for you, Alarcón also has a finger-licking gastronomic offer. So, if you are a lover of rural tourism, on your next visit to Cuenca, you cannot miss going to this beautiful town.