The best cycling routes around Copernal

Although it is associated with El Cid, it was never related to the mercenary knight, but rather to the first Count of El Cid, Rodrigo Días de Vivar y Mendoza, a noble title granted by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. This fortress, dating back to the High Middle Ages, watches over the Henares valley at the foot of the Alcarria Mountains. A natural paradise with a variety of altitudes.

imposing castle, called del Cid, although Rodrigo Díaz never lived there. The current Jadraque castle is almost entirely the work of the last third of the 15th century, that is, from the last group of medieval castle-palaces, already on the verge of disappearance at this time. Its reform in the 15th century was due to the master builder Alberto de Caravajal, helped by stonemasons from Northern Spain. This master builder also directed the renovation of the castle of Puebla de Almenara (Cuenca). It is likely that the outlines of the reform were given by the architect Juan Guas, although his intervention is not documented. The renovation work greatly affected almost everything that had previously existed there, as the natural terrain of the hill was even lowered. Only what was a large pentagonal tower in the bow was used in the construction of the new late medieval castle (probably towards the middle of the 20th century, almost the entire tower was dismantled to serve as a quarry). One of its panels is fallen today and the castle is closed to visitors.

Beautiful Castle of Muslim origin, later rebuilt by the Mendoza family from Guadalajara.

Hita is a beautiful medieval town with a lot of charm in any of its corners. It was the headquarters of the Mecnes Berber Muslims, one of their leaders even proclaimed himself Caliph of Spain, although he only lasted a week in office, the time it took for his enemies in Córdoba to get rid of him. It was later conquered by Alvar Fáñez de Minaya for El Cid. Among his most famous characters in Hita, we must highlight his famous Archpriest Juan Ruiz, with numerous writings. Phrases from his Book of Good Love are reproduced on some walls in the town.

A spectacular town, homeland of the famous Archpriest. Getting to it, however, will cost you, as it is perched on top of a hill.

At the foot of La Muela, next to the Henares River that dominates this landscape, is the small town of Alarilla. If you have good eyesight you can see the cross at the top.

Pedaling along the southern shore of the Alcorlo reservoir, you will reach the dam's viewpoint to have incredible views of the power of water. The reservoir is near San Andrés del Congosto.

Cogolludo is a small town on top of a hill with panoramic views of the terraces of Vega del Henares. You must visit the Renaissance Doge's Palace from the 15th century. The ornate ceilings are amazing.