Alcalá del Júcar, Medieval castle town in Manchuela region, Spain
Alcalá del Júcar is a settlement in the Manchuela region that perches on steep limestone cliffs above the Júcar River. The white houses are built directly into the rock face at approximately 596 meters elevation, following the natural contours of the gorge.
In 1364, Peter of Castile granted the settlement independence from Jorquera and issued a municipal charter. This founding document established its own governance and allowed the community to develop as a distinct settlement.
The town's name derives from its position within the Júcar River gorge, and locals have long adapted their homes to the dramatic cliff edges. Visitors notice how the whitewashed houses blend seamlessly with the limestone walls, creating a landscape shaped by generations of practical building choices.
The settlement can be reached by road from above, but exploring the core area requires walking on narrow, steep streets. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain as the area extends across multiple levels.
Some houses are actually carved into the limestone cliffs, with the rear walls formed by the natural rock face itself. This building method is rare in the region and demonstrates an extraordinary adaptation to the land.
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