It can be reached in less than an hour by car from the nearest major cities, making this tiny town accessible to tourists.
Set in the hills of the Alcarria Pastrana region , this historic Spanish city is known for its rich heritage and vibrant architecture.
Thanks to its well-preserved artistic and cultural heritage, Pastrana is officially recognized as a national heritage site. The city is located about 45 km from Guadalajara and about 65 km from Madrid.
Founded in the 13th century, Pastrana was conceived as a village for the settlement of a large Spanish military and religious order founded in 1158 by King Sancho III of Castile. The Order built a small Romanesque church, laying the foundation for its spiritual and architectural development.
In 1369, Pastrana was granted the privilege of villazgo, or settlement, which in the 15th century flourished as a commercial center, taking advantage of its strategic position.
In the middle of the 16th century, the impressive Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, became the central part of the city. Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross founded several Carmelite monasteries in Pastrana, cementing its status as a spiritual site.
The city is famous for its architectural gems, including the Doge’s Palace, a collegiate church with Gothic and Baroque elements, and a collection of stately manors lining its cobbled streets.
Fuente de los Cuatro Canos, a striking 16th-century fountain, is a popular gathering place for visitors. The town is also home to the Parish Tapestry Museum, which houses a collection of 15th-century Flemish tapestries salvaged and returned after the Spanish Civil War.
Although the number of tourists here is significantly lower than in many other Spanish cities, visitors will be attracted by the calm atmosphere of Pastrana, historical monuments and urban charm, because today the town is a living museum, its streets are filled with stories of mystics, nobles and writers.
