· 6 min read
Atienza is a good base camp. The Sierra Norte of Guadalajara concentrates a surprising density of villages. These are ten near Atienza to extend the trip a couple of hours or a full day.
1. Sigüenza · 30 minutes south
The cathedral city is Atienza's natural pair. 12th-century cathedral, parador in the castle and medieval old town.
2. Riofrío del Llano · 15 min south
Small village on the Ruta de la Lana of the Way of St. James. Point where the two variants of the Sigüenza – Atienza stage meet.
3. Palazuelos · 35 min south
Almost completely preserved walled enclosure, declared Bien de Interés Cultural.
4. Hita · 1 h southwest
Birthplace of the Archpriest of Hita and his «Book of Good Love». Walled enclosure, annual medieval festival and a castle.
5. Madrigal · 10 min north
The village to which La Caballada heads each Pentecost. Parish church and mountain atmosphere.
6. La Bodera · 12 min south
Small mountain village famous for its photogenic entrance: the silhouette of the Atienza castle suddenly appears at a turn in the CM-1003 road.
7. Albendiego · 20 min northwest
Church of Santa Coloma, a jewel of Atienza Romanesque with a trilobed apse and original tracery.
8. Campisábalos · 30 min northwest
Church of San Bartolomé with a unique Romanesque sculpted calendar in Spain.
9. Beleña de Sorbe · 1 h southwest
Another notable Atienza Romanesque: church of the Assumption with a portal representing the months of the year.
10. Brihuega · 1 h 15 southwest
The «Provence of La Alcarria». Famous for its lavender fields blooming in July and its 18th-century cloth factory.
