Alarcón

Alarcón is a municipality in Cuenca Province perched on a hilltop above the Júcar River. The town spreads across steep slopes with narrow winding streets leading to a fortified structure at its highest point.

The settlement was founded by the Moors and later became an important fortress during the medieval Christian Reconquest. The castle played a key defensive role in protecting the region from eastern threats.

The town's name reflects its Moorish past, a heritage visible in how the settlement is laid out and built. Walking through, you notice architectural details and street patterns that echo this earlier period of the region's history.

The best way to explore this place is on foot, since narrow lanes and steep slopes make driving difficult. Wear sturdy shoes, as streets are uneven and sometimes slippery.

The castle was built on a narrow strip of land between two loops of the Júcar River, making it surrounded by water on three sides. This natural defensive position was one reason why the fortress was so hard to capture.

Location: Cuenca Province

Capital city: Alarcón

Elevation above the sea: 831 m

Part of: Mancomunitat de Serveis «Manchuela Conquense»

Shares border with: Buenache de Alarcón, Cañada Juncosa, Gabaldón, Honrubia, Motilla del Palancar, Olmedilla de Alarcón, Pozorrubielos de la Mancha, Quintanar del Rey, Tébar, Valhermoso de la Fuente, Valverdejo, El Peral, Sisante, El Picazo, Casasimarro, Villalgordo del Júcar, Casas de Benítez

Website: http://aytoalarcon.blogspot.com

GPS coordinates: 39.55000,-2.08333

Latest update: December 20, 2025 11:29