What to do in Pastrana

Pastrana is a ducal town in Guadalajara steeped in history, forever linked to the Princess of Éboli and the intrigues of Philip II's court. The Ducal Palace (16th century), where Ana de Mendoza was confined, overlooks the main square and is now a visitable museum. The Pastrana Collegiate Church houses a collection of 15th-century Flemish tapestries depicting the campaigns of Alfonso V of Portugal in North Africa, considered among the finest in Spain. The convents of Santa Teresa (Carmelites founded by the saint herself) complete the religious heritage. Pastrana preserves a medieval layout with cobblestone streets, Renaissance palaces and the atmosphere of a Castilian noble town frozen in time. The surrounding Alcarria offers hiking routes and is a land of honey, olive oil and lavender.