Guadalajara

The bridge across the Henares river is Arab but built on Roman foundations. It has several historic buildings such as the Palacio del Infantado (pictured above), as well as many churches, such as the church of San Ginés. Although Guadalajara is the biggest city in its diocese, the cathedral is located in the nearby town of Sigüenza. However, in Guadalajara, there is a "co-cathedral": the church of Saint Mary, in Mudejar style. Very close to this church, is placed the chapel known as "Capilla de Luis de Lucena", which has several fresco paintings on its walls and ceiling.

Probably the only reason that you would visit Guadalajara is for the The Palacio del Duque del Infantado, in a style which mingles Late Gothic and Mudéjar features, was built for the Mendoza family between 1461 and 1480 by the French-born architect Juan Guas, and ranks as one of his finest achievements. King Francis I of France was sumptuously received in the palace after being taken prisoner in the battle of Pavia (1525), and Philip II married Elisabeth de Valois here. During the Civil War the palace was largely destroyed but was subsequently rebuilt. The facade has faceted stonework and is topped by a projecting gallery with finely carved columns. It has a beautiful two-story Isabelline patio.

Guadalajara is involved in urban development plans that are quickly increasing the population of the city. New districts like Aguas Vivas (Live Waters) have recently been inaugurated. Ciudad Valdeluz will give 30,000 inhabitants more to Guadalajara, creating a whole brand new city around the AVE Station (Spanish High-Speed Trains).