Phone: 949 39 01 00

Fax: 949 39 13 64

Email: siguenza@parador.es

Website: www.parador.es

Location

The castle is located on a small mound near to the town that gives it its name, dominating the surrounding territory.

Type of monument

Forts

History

The traces of human settlements have been discovered on the "cerro de Villavieja" (Villavieja Hill), close to the actual city.

In the Roman period Sigüenza was an important communications centre. During the Visigoth occupation there was a considerable increase in the population, to such an extent that its bishop attended the Council of Toledo in 589. The Moors settled in the high area of the castle, their rule lasting until 1124, when the medina was taken by Queen Urraca of Castille. It was then that don Bernardo de Agén reconstituted the bishopric.

Some time afterwards, Alfonso VII awarded the bishop the domain of Sigüenza and in the Middle Ages, Sigüenza practically became a city. In the 12th century there were two centres of population, one around the castle and the other next to the cathedral. In the 13th century, the Jewish Quarter was installed close to the synagogue.

From the end of the 15th century until the beginning of the 18th, the town had its own university granted by Papal Bull, but later Sigüenza was very affected by the Peninsular War and the Carlist Wars.

How to get there

Road transport

The appearance of the fortress from a distance is very homogenous, offering a contour of smooth-faced walls and a few towers, sometimes square, sometimes semi-circular, always topped by embrasures.

Its challenging tone is that typical of a distinctly medieval fortress, from the 13th and 14th centuries, when it achieved its true silhouette.

In the interior, the attention of the visitor today is drawn to its large courtyard, that retains in its centre the old well, dug deeply into the rock itself; gateways bearing coats of arms, from the 16th century and a wooden gallery rendered with sgraffito that completes the walls of said courtyard.

On the ground floor there are many rooms to admire. The red room or throne rooms, in which large square pillars border an ample space crowned by a large Renaissance fireplace and walls decorated in a vivid red tone, decorated with many mantles and lambrequins. Here the nobles and bishops of Sigüenza imparted their justice, both civil and ecclesiastical.

The great dining room, or doña Blanca's salon is another beautiful example, where thick stone pointed arches rise up to support the room’s structure. Various quarters house other rooms, dining rooms and the chapel.

The upper floors are dedicated to the guest rooms, and there is nothing to see from a monumental point of view.

Today, the entire face of the building is covered by mantles and stone coats of arms which show a good number of the coats of arms of many of the bishops who occupied this fortress.

Timetables

The Castle of Sigüenza, converted into a Parador Nacional, is worth visiting for many reasons and it is very easy to do so, as entry is free, both to the courtyard and its public rooms.

Fees

Entry is free.

Services

In the summer there are often art exhibitions and other cultural acts are celebrated within the castle, which makes a visit even more appealing.