IN a rustic more and more overrun by selfie sticks and package deal excursions, discovering a spot that also feels authentically Spanish can really feel like successful the lottery.
However social media star Maria, recognized on-line as @pdeplanazos, could have simply uncovered one of many best-kept secrets and techniques within the coronary heart of Spain – and it’s solely an hour from Madrid.
With greater than 125,000 followers throughout Instagram and TikTok, Maria has constructed a loyal viewers because of her down-to-earth journey suggestions and life-style content material.
In her current video, she takes viewers on a serene stroll by way of Pastrana, a historic village situated within the rolling hills of Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha.
“It appears like a film,” she says because the digicam glides previous cobbled lanes and timeless stone church buildings.
“It’s one of the crucial stunning villages in Spain,” she provides – a daring declare in a rustic famend for its picture-perfect cities.
With slightly below 1,000 residents, Pastrana stays blissfully untouched by mass tourism.
The village was declared a Historic-Creative Web site again in 1966, and its allure hasn’t waned.
“Each avenue takes you again in time,” in accordance with Maria.
The slim lanes, stunning courtyards, and quaint buildings all assist transport you to a less complicated period.
One of many standout landmarks in Pastrana is the Palacio Ducal, a grand sixteenth century Renaissance palace that after served because the residence – and jail – of Ana de Mendoza, the Princess of Eboli.
This fascinating character spent years in confinement after falling out of favour with King Philip II.
In keeping with legend, she gazed out on the village life from a barred window, her iconic eye patch masking one among her eyes.
Maria encourages guests to ‘stroll by way of its cobbled streets, marvel on the majestic Ducal Palace, house of the legendary Princess of Eboli, and really feel the spirituality within the Church and Shrine of the Sacred Coronary heart, from the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in spectacular views of the village.’
One other must-see is the Iglesia Colegiata, which holds one among Europe’s most spectacular collections of fifteenth century Flemish tapestries.
For historical past buffs, only a quick drive away lies the Archaeological Park of Recopolis, an historic Visigothic metropolis based in 578 AD.
Guests can discover the ruins of this historic metropolis, which provides yet one more layer to Pastrana’s deep historic significance.
Along with its historic landmarks, Pastrana affords a variety of cultural actions.
The village hosts an array of occasions together with medieval festivals, historic music festivals, and artisan workshops.
It even celebrates a lavender pageant in July, which transforms the village right into a picturesque scene that rivals Provence, with out the crowds or excessive costs.
Guests must also savour the native delicacies.
Pastrana affords scrumptious Castilian-Manchego dishes, together with hearty migas, succulent roast meats, and conventional Spanish desserts, all served in family-run eating places.
Whether or not you’re drawn to Pastrana for its historic significance, cultural occasions, or just its serene magnificence, it’s clear that this secret gem simply an hour from Madrid is a vacation spot value discovering.
