Guadalajara Castilla-La Mancha
Useful Guadalajara map, and guide to the city.
Detailed Street Map of Guadalajara Spain
Guadalajara Castilla-La Mancha: Above you can view a detailed street map of Guadalajara, a city located to the east of Madrid in the Castilla-La Mancha region of Spain's vast interior. To get an alternative view, you can also click on the 'SAT' button, which gives you a satellite map of Guadalajara.
A small industrial city located to the north-east of Madrid, in the region of Castilla-La Mancha, Guadalajara is today just a shadow of its former self. In its glory days, Guadalajara was a significant city when Madrid was just a small military outpost, it has been bruised and battered into submission by wars and conflicts over the centuries, until finally, there is little left to see of historic interest.
Originally founded in Roman times, when it was called Arriaca, Guadalajara became an important city during the Moorish occupation of Spain, and takes its current name from the Arabic wad-al-hijaara (meaning "stoney river").
Freed from the Muslim grasp in 1085 by Alfonso VI, it later became home to the wealthy Mendoza family.
Modern day Guadalajara is the capital of a province of the same name, and has a sizeable population of around 67,000. Deserving little more than a day trip, Guadalajara still has a few places of interest to visit, probably the most worthwhile being the restored former palace of the Duke of Mendoza, the Palacio de los Duques del Infantado, with its stunning Gothic-Mudejar façade and charming ornamental patio. Built between the 14th and 17th centuries, the palace now houses the Museo Municipal (a local art museum) and a library.
Opposite the palace you will find the helpful local tourist information office, where you can pick up a map and get information on other places which might be worth a visit in the city and also any events which may be taking place during your stay.
Church lovers will no doubt want to take a look at the Iglesia de San Francisco (15th century), home of the mausoleum of the Mendoza family, and also the Iglesia de Santiago.
Near to Guadalajara, at Lupiana, you can visit the 14th century Monasterio de San Bartolomé.
Guadalajara is situated about 20 kilometres north-east of Alcalá de Henares (birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes) and can be accessed from the A-2 (E-90) or the N-320, it is about 54 kilometres from the centre of Madrid.
Castilla-La Mancha Info: Castilla-La Mancha Guide - Castilla-La Mancha Map
Castilla-La Mancha Places: Toledo - Almagro - Siguenza - Valdepenas - Albacete - Consuegra - Cuenca
Castillo-La Mancha Hotels: TRH Almagro - Parador de Siguenza
Related: Andalucia - Catalonia - Galicia - Madrid - Builders
HOME