In the province of Guadalajara, in the very heart of Castilla-La Mancha, lies a unique place where history, art, and nature come together. This is Pelegrina, a small medieval village that is part of the municipality of Sigüenza and is located within the natural park “Parque Natural del Barranco del Río Dulce.” This destination attracts travelers seeking an authentic getaway far from the noise of big cities.
Pelegrina, often called the “village of artists,” is home to only about twenty residents. Remarkably, nearly half of them are creative professionals: artists, ceramists, and engravers. Their presence gives the place a unique atmosphere. The village’s historical heritage dates back to the Andalusian period, as evidenced by the ruins of an old watchtower. Later, in the 12th century, a castle was built here, of which only picturesque remains survive, along with the Romanesque iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad, which has preserved valuable architectural elements.
Pelegrina’s main treasure is its natural surroundings. The village gained widespread recognition thanks to naturalist Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente, who filmed many episodes of his famous TV show “El Hombre y la Tierra” here. In his honor, a viewpoint was opened in 1980, located 2.5 kilometers from the village. It offers panoramic views of the bend of the Dulce River, where visitors can watch birds of prey soaring overhead, such as griffon vultures, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. The village itself has an information center dedicated to the legacy of the renowned defender of Iberian wildlife.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Pelegrina offers several hiking trails. The most popular is a circular route of about 10 kilometers that passes through the Hoz de Pelegrina gorge. This moderately difficult route, with an elevation change of around 400 meters, leads to the seasonal waterfall, cascada de Gollorío. The waterfall is at its fullest in spring and autumn, during the rainy season. The path winds among impressive rock formations that resemble stone skyscrapers, offering travelers unforgettable views of the canyons and the wild nature of this picturesque corner of Spain.
