Siguenza, Castilla y Leon
Siguenza, Castilla y Leon - Overview:
A land steeped in a rich history and legend, Siguenza's rich Renaissance legacy can still be admired by visitors today. The site of the ancient Segoncia, now called Villavieja, Siguenza is steeped in religious and political history.
Siguenza, Castilla y Leon - History & sightseeing:
The history of Siguenza is a compact guide to the history of Spain. From the time of its first pre-historic inhabitants to the time of the final battles of the Civil War, the town has experienced every chapter of Spain's more than two thousand years of history.
Of Neolithic origins, in the 5th century BC, Segontia was already among the most notable Celtiberian settlements, inhabited by the Arevaci until the period immediately before the Roman conquest. The settlement was rebuilt by the Visigoths after the Barbarian invasions, and its inhabitants lived a prosperous life, farming and raising livestock.
Siguenza was occupied by the Arabs in an early stage of their invasion of the Peninsula. However, the legacy they left here was neither especially brilliant nor enriching, contrary to that of other territories they occupied. Even so, the Moors raised a great fortress on the site where the Castle-Parador now stands.
During the reign of King Alfonso VII, Siguenza was wrestled from Sarracen control by Bernardo of Agen, whom the King designated as ruler of the town. From that time on, it would remain under the power and control of a line of bishops whose passions were divided between matters of the diocese and of the sword, until the end of the last century. Bishop Bernardo, moreover, would obtain many well-deserved privileges.
The 'town of the hundred bishops' would witness a thousand and one historic events, all with a touch of legend about them. One such event had Blanca of Borbon as its unfortunate protagonist.
Blanca of Borbon was the cousin of King Carlos V and granddaughter of King San Luis. She married to Don Pedro (King of Castile and Leon) only to be immediately abandoned in favour of his lover, Maria de Padilla. After much scandal at court, legend has it that the King imprisoned his legal wife in a cell in the castle. Dona Blanca was finally assassinated by an arrow from a crossbow on the orders of her husband 'Pedro the Cruel'. War after war followed, such as the Battle of Olmedo, in which Aragon and Navarra fought Castile; as a result, Siguenza realised the need to build hospitals.
Siguenza would again know prosperity under Diego Hurtado de Mendoza. His diocese controlled such important towns as Soria, Calatayud, and Ayllon. The powerful influence of Cardinal Mendoza, advisor to the Catholic Kings, would yield such positive results as the construction of Siguenza's first university.
The town's rich Renaissance legacy can still be admired by visitors today. The following years brought economic expansion and a dazzling cultural boom: Art and literature would experience their most glorious moments, though these were often tainted by war, such as the War of Succession.
Siguenza's cathedral is a sight not to be missed. It is a magnificent Gothic edifice of ashlar stone. The cathedral's facade has three doors, with a railed court in front. At the sides rise two square towers, 164 feet high, with merlons topped with large balls; these towers are connected by a balustrade which crowns the facade, the work of Bishop Herrera in the eighteenth century.
Siguenza, Castilla y Leon - Our holiday accommodation and service:
Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy delightful, privileged holiday destinations in Castilla y Leon (including Burgos, Leon City, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid and Zamora) at the historic heart of Central Spain. From privately owned houses, charming cottages, villas and apartments to villas with pools, luxury spa hotels and a full range of fabulous Paradores; all hand picked in beautiful locations for an authentic taste of unspoiled secret Castilla y Leon and Central Spain.
So, if you're looking for an activity or nature holiday, walking, cycling, trekking or bird watching; a spot of rural tourism soaking up the traditional Spanish culture and heritage with historic sightseeingin Castille; exploring fairytale castles, beautiful countryside and fascinating villages, rural towns and historic cities such as Leon City; following the historic pilgrims routes or silver route; sampling hearty rural Spanish fayre or simply enjoying a shopping trip or city break in Madrid, Spain's capital city; call our holiday team today.
Many of our clients enjoy touring holidays through central Spain, to experience the unique areas of Castilla la Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Extremadura and Madrid in one holiday. We are therefore very happy to arrange itineraries for you staying in a selection of different Parador hotels along your chosen route. We can also assist you with flights to Madrid and other areas of central Spain, ferry travel, holiday car hire and travel insurance.
