Guadalajara · Castilla-La Mancha
Cifuentes
- Province
- Guadalajara
- Status
- Conjunto Histórico
- Population
- 1,731
- Elevation
- 894 m
Cifuentes is a heritage town in the province of Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. It is designated a Conjunto Histórico (Spain's national heritage designation for historic ensembles). Population 1,731 (2025), elevation 894m.
A castle town in Guadalajara province where a medieval fortress, a Romanesque church, and the old trade routes of Castilla-La Mancha converge above the valley.
Key facts
- Province
- Guadalajara
- Heritage status
- Conjunto Histórico
- Population
- 1,731 (2025)
- Elevation
- 894 m
History of Cifuentes
Cifuentes grew out of the Christian reconquest of the Taifa of Toledo at the end of the eleventh century. As Cuenca was retaken, the town became the head of an archpriesthood and the largest urban centre in the comarca. In 1273, Alfonso X established the Real y Honrado Concejo de la Mesta in Gualda, today a village within the Cifuentes municipality.
In the first half of the fourteenth century, the Infante Juan Manuel bought the lordship of Cifuentes from his cousin the Infanta Blanca of Portugal and built his castle on a hill to the southeast of the town. In 1431, Enrique IV granted the town to Juan de Silva, Alférez Mayor of Castile, who became its first count. Centuries later, Count Fernando de Silva rebelled against the Bourbons; in reprisal, his palace on the Plaza Mayor was destroyed.
From the nineteenth century the town functioned as an important agricultural and livestock trading centre. The nearby Trillo nuclear power station later brought a significant economic boost.
Heritage & Monuments
The square-plan castle was built on the orders of Juan Manuel in the fourteenth century. The church of Cristo Salvador is Romanesque in style, raised at the end of the twelfth century on the foundations of an earlier pre-Romanesque building. A hospital and the hermitage of El Remedio date from the sixteenth century.
The town also has further chapels, churches, and convents, as well as a number of old manor houses.
Where to eat in Cifuentes
Ratings & restaurant data from Google.
Regional food & drink
Castilla-La Mancha is known for Queso manchego, Pisto manchego and Migas, among 5 regional specialities.
Watch: Queso manchego
Gallery
Location
Quick answers
Is Cifuentes worth visiting?▾
A castle town in Guadalajara province where a medieval fortress, a Romanesque church, and the old trade routes of Castilla-La Mancha converge above the valley.
Why is Cifuentes a heritage town?▾
Cifuentes is officially designated a Conjunto Histórico, Spain's national heritage designation for historic ensembles.
What is the traditional food in Castilla-La Mancha?▾
Castilla-La Mancha is known for Queso manchego, Pisto manchego, Migas and Duelos y quebrantos. You'll find these regional specialities in and around Cifuentes.
What is there to see in Cifuentes?▾
The square-plan castle was built on the orders of Juan Manuel in the fourteenth century. The church of Cristo Salvador is Romanesque in style, raised at the end of the twelfth century on the foundations of an earlier pre-Romanesque building.
What is the history of Cifuentes?▾
Cifuentes grew out of the Christian reconquest of the Taifa of Toledo at the end of the eleventh century. As Cuenca was retaken, the town became the head of an archpriesthood and the largest urban centre in the comarca.
Which heritage towns are near Cifuentes?▾
Nearby heritage towns include Brihuega, Jadraque, Sigüenza and Palazuelos.
Nearby heritage towns
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Visiting from a nearby city?
Cifuentes makes a great day trip from:
Last updated 15 July 2026.