Cheap Flights To Guadalajara

Nestled on the Henares River in Castilla-La Mancha, Guadalajara dates back to Roman and Arab times and is home to many remaining monuments from those eras. Of particular interest is an Arab bridge over the river that was built on Roman foundations. Calle Mayor, which runs through the historic centre of the city, displays splendid architecture, including the City Hall, the Palace of the Mendozas and the magnificent Infantado Palace, which nowadays is the museum of the city. The Isabelline style of the Municipal Library is also worthy of note as is the Santa María Co-Cathedral in the city.

The typical cuisine of the region can be enjoyed throughout the city, with delicious soups and stews including Pisto Manchego -- a dish made from tomatoes, red peppers and squash -- and the Madrilene Stew. Ajo Arriero is also a popular dish of grilled cod cooked with vegetables in a clay dish. Popular annual festivals in the city include the Festival Gigante: a two-day music event in September with a variety of local music genres to enjoy. Carnival is a colourful and enjoyable event held each February with a series of spectacular floats and costumes heading through the city. In May, the Feria Chica offers fun rides and attractions in the city's fairgrounds.

Things To Do

The city of Guadalajara offers many interesting, historic sites to visit, with some dating back to Roman and Arab times. However, of particular importance is the more recent architecture on display in the historic centre of the city. Taking a stroll down the Calle Mayor takes the visitor past magnificent palaces, churches and museums.

• Infantado Palace and Museum

Dating back to 1480, the palace was renovated in a Renaissance style in 1569. Now the city's museum, a series of beautiful frescoes can be viewed in certain rooms. Worth a visit is the Courtyard of the Lions and the Garden Gallery.

• Palace of the Mendozas

The 16th-century palace of Don Antonio de Mendoza was later converted into a convent and church. The building surrounds a central courtyard and has a beautiful garden. The architecture of the building is in an Italian Renaissance style.

• Santa María Co-Cathedral

Built on the site of an original mosque, the cathedral is in Mudejar style with a beautiful altar and three naves dating from the 14th century. A mix of architectural styles, the main door into the building is surrounded by Renaissance columns while the tower has a brick finish.

Calendar Of Events

Guadalajara celebrates several annual religious holidays and popular events, including music festivals, street parades and fairs.

• Festival Gigante. Held each year in September, the Gigante Festival is a music event running for two days with performances on four separate stages. The live concerts feature some of the best national bands as well as international artists playing a variety of different musical genres.

• Carnival. Carnival is a popular time in Spain and dates back to pagan times, but is celebrated just before the beginning of Lent each year. A spectacular parade with colourful costumes and floats that pass through the city's streets.

• Feria Chica. All the fun of the fair can be enjoyed in the fairgrounds of Guadalajara each May at the Feria Chica. Besides the exciting rides and sideshows, many other shows and attractions are offered throughout the city including music, dancing and theatre performances.