Guadalajara Reiseinformationen und Video

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a province of central/north-central Spain, in the  northern part of the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha. It is  bordered by the provinces of Cuenca, Madrid, Segovia, Soria, Zaragoza, and Teruel.
 
It is situated in the beautiful and natural region of La Alcarria, just 60 kilometres north-east of
the capital city of Madrid.

History
Historical records show evidence of the area of Guadalajara being inhabited since pre-roman times, however the town was actually founded by the Moors in the 8th century and there is much evidence still of their occupation.

Guadalajara was re-conquered by the Christians and during the Renaissance period in the 14th
century the infamous Mendoza family were very prominent in the city, who held titles as dukes and duchesses, and Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza, who was the Great Cardinal of Spain and adviser of the Catholic Monarchs. The city was a centrally important to the catholic faith in this period.

Places to visit
The bridge that sits across the Henares River was constructed by the Moors, although built on Roman foundations.

The Palacio del Infantado and the Church of San Ginés are both interesting historical visits and the
Mudejar-style Church of Saint Mary, is what is known as a co-cathedral, which means it isn’t the region’s cathedral, but it has nearly the same status.

The Capilla de Luis de Lucena, is a beautiful chapel located near the Saint Mary, and has several fresco paintings on the walls and ceilings.

Cuisine
Heavy stews and soups, form the staple diet of the region. Specialities such as Cocido Madrileño
(Madrid-style stew) and Pisto Manchego are both delicious. The famous Manchego Cheese also hails from this region.

Pisto is a delicious vegetarian dish of peppers, tomatoes, pumpkin, and other vegetables can be
added, as well as non-vegetarian options such as ham and eggs.

The region of Castile-La Mancha is one of the best wine producing regions in the world, with
denominations such as La Mancha, Valdepenas, Almansa and Mondejar coming from here. Castile-La Mancha is also the second most important region in Spain to produce Olive Oil.

Climate
The region contrasts greatly in terms of its climate, with very cold winters and very hot summers.