Alarcon
About the place
Alarcon is a small fortified town that sits on a narrow rocky peninsula formed by a dramatic loop of the Jucar River. The town is dominated by its medieval castle, which dates back to Moorish times and later became a stronghold of the Knights of Santiago. Today the castle operates as a state-run parador hotel, allowing visitors to stay within its ancient walls. The old town is enclosed by well-preserved defensive walls with towers, and its cobbled streets lead to Romanesque and Gothic churches. The view from the castle over the river gorge and the surrounding plateau is one of the most striking in the region.
