Guadalajara, Provincial capital in Castile-La Mancha, Spain
Guadalajara is a provincial capital in Castile-La Mancha, located about 60 kilometers northeast of Madrid along the Henares River. The old town features narrow streets, stone buildings and squares, while newer districts have developed outside the historic core.
The site was already inhabited in Iberian times as Arriaca before it received the name Wadi al-Hijara under Arab rule. Christian forces took over in 1085 and turned it into an important administrative center in the region.
The name comes from the Arabic and means River of Stones, referring to the many pebbles found in the Henares riverbed. Locals often gather in the Plaza Mayor, where market days and cafés shape social life.
High-speed trains link the city to Madrid in about 30 minutes, making it a residential base for people working in the capital. The historic core is easy to explore on foot, while modern neighborhoods lie farther from the center.
The local honey from the Alcarria plain carries a European quality seal that recognizes its special character and traditional production. Visitors can taste and buy this honey at regional markets and shops in the surrounding area.
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