Renaissance architecture, tapestries and routes through the Alcarria reveal different sides of Pastrana. The historic town centre, a museum outside the centre and several destinations in the surrounding countryside offer different highlights for a stay.

Art and cultural heritage

The Palacio Ducal de Pastrana is one of the most important examples of civil Renaissance architecture in Castilla-La Mancha and the town’s most representative building. The old town is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Iglesia Colegiata also has a place in music history: its Baroque organ was built by Domingo de Mendoza in 1703 and is still played today.

The Museo Parroquial de Tapices de Pastrana displays a Flemish Gothic tapestry series from the late 15th century. Its scenes depict the conquest of North African strongholds by the troops of Alfonso V of Portugal in 1471. The museum also includes the 17th-century Pantheon of the Dukes of Pastrana; a visit to the pantheon is part of the museum visit.

Outside the town centre, 1.5 kilometres from Pastrana, the Museo de Santa Teresa is housed in the Convento del Carmen. The former Convent of San Pedro was founded by Saint Teresa of Jesus in 1569. The church and cloister house the museum, established in 2015; works from the Museo del V Centenario del Nacimiento de Santa Teresa are also located there.

The square, fountains and events

The Plaza de la Hora is a large square measuring 150 metres on each side. It opens to the south onto the green valley of the Huertas. At the Fuente de los Cuatro Caños, Pastrana’s medieval history comes to life: the fountain stands at a site that was then the town’s civic centre and market area.

Events may also play a role in choosing when to travel. The Festival Ducal is recognised as an event of provincial tourist interest and was established in 2001. It features historical and artistic reenactments at important buildings in the ducal town, evoking Spain’s Golden Age. The Feria Apícola de Pastrana is held regularly during the second week of March in the Plaza de la Hora and the Palacio Ducal. Check the annual programme before travelling if you are planning your visit around one of the events.

Walking routes, viewpoints and cycling

The Mirador del Calvario can only be reached on foot and offers views of Pastrana’s historic townscape and olive groves. A 2.21-kilometre out-and-back route leads there from the Plaza de la Hora. Another 10.68-kilometre out-and-back route also starts in the square, passes through the Vega of the Río Arlés and continues to the ruins of the former San Blas factory. It was once a flour and oil mill.

A 12.05-kilometre circular route passes through the natural landscape around Pastrana and offers views of the town, as well as olive trees, holm oaks and aromatic plants. The landscape includes the Arlés stream valley and typical plants of the Alcarria, such as holm oaks, olive trees, lavender, thyme and rosemary. These routes offer different distances and landscapes without requiring a particular walking pace.

Peña Matea lies at an altitude of 837 metres. Its viewpoint can be reached on foot or by car and offers views of the Valdeconcha valley, the Río Arlés valley and their connection to the Tagus. From Pastrana, there are also cycling routes of varying difficulty through the landscapes of the Alcarria and along natural paths. Check the conditions for each walking or cycling route locally.

A speciality from Pastrana

Restaurants in Pastrana serve Migas Pastrana-style with grapes and a fried egg. The specific options may vary by restaurant; ask locally if you would like to make a point of trying the dish.

Discover more destinations: Poveda De La Sierra, Cabanillas Del Campo, Campillo De Dueñas, Alhóndiga, Carabias, Peralejos De Las Truchas, Monasterio, Orea.

For the regional travel overview: Guadalajara.