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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Castile-La Mancha covers a large highland area in the middle of Spain, between Madrid and Andalusia. This region includes towns with art and history, like Toledo, an old Spanish city with medieval streets and monuments that show the mixing of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures. It also has...
Alcalá del Júcar Castle
198 mChurch of Santa Quiteria, Casas de Ves
11 km
Church of Saint Andrew, Alcalá del Júcar
102 m
Church of the Natividad, Alborea
9.9 km
Castle and walls of Jorquera
8.1 km
Cuevas de Masagó y del Duende
80 mMuseo de Abengibre
9.8 km
Villa de Alcalá de Júcar
75 m
Alcalá del Júcar bullring
407 m
Church of Tolosa
4.3 kmVILLA DE VES. Castillo
14.8 kmEl Tollo
4 kmCastillo del Conde de Casal
14.5 kmStandpipe, Work of art, sculpture
917 mSalón Cultural "La Nave"
14.3 kmMirador del Cerro
768 mScenic viewpoint
1 kmMirador de Jorquera
7.8 kmScenic viewpoint
7.4 kmScenic viewpoint
7.6 kmLa Nave
14.3 kmRollo de Jurisdicción
10.7 kmLápida con bajorrelieves
9.6 kmMemorial
10.7 kmCastillo de Jorquera
8.2 kmMurallas almohades
8.3 kmMurallas almohades
8.2 kmMurallas almohades
8.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes