Castle of Atienza
Upon the bare rock, the silhouette the Song of the Cid called “a mighty crag”.
The story
The hill was used by the Celtiberians and later by the Arabs; after the Reconquest, the Christians reformed the fortress. Between the 9th and 11th centuries it changed hands repeatedly, and its history intertwines with Alfonso III, Almanzor, Sancho García and Alfonso I of Aragon.
The Song of the Cid remembers it as “a mighty crag”. In time it served as a state prison and was sacked by French troops during the War of Independence. Today the rocky promontory, the keep, remains of walls and two cisterns survive.
What not to miss
- Keep upon the rock
- Remains of walls and two cisterns
- Panoramic views of the Sierra Norte
Location
Castillo de Atienza, Atienza, Guadalajara
Nearby
Continue the route
Plan your visit to Atienza
Itineraries, visitor map, guided visits and how to reach the village.