Chillarón del Rey can be explored from two perspectives: the town’s architectural history and the paths that run through it. Its setting above the Entrepeñas Reservoir adds another dimension. Whether you want to plan your stay around local history, hiking routes or the landscape, you’ll find specific points of interest for each.
Architecture and local history
The parish church of Nuestra Señora de los Huertos stands at the highest point of the small hill. The 16th-century Ermita de San Roque is on Calle Mayor, near the edge of town. Along the steep streets, houses built in the traditional regional style feature carved eaves and portals with wedge-shaped stones, as well as numerous grilles and wrought-iron details, particularly from the 16th and 17th centuries.
A picota, a pillory, was erected west of the town centre beside the old Ermita de San Roque as a symbol of the town’s status as a villa. The story behind it dates back to 1569: King Felipe II granted Chillarón the status of a villa in November, after which the town adopted the suffix del Rey. The picota links the town’s present-day name to this event in its local history.
Trails through the town
The GR-113 Camino Natural del Tajo is a particularly clear route to follow: it reaches Chillarón del Rey and leaves the town along Calle Mayor in the direction of the Ermita de San Roque. Beside the chapel, there is an information board about the long-distance trail and a rest area. The Camino de Santiago also passes through the town; on entering Chillarón, the Ermita de San Roque is on the right.
The 15.5 km Camino de la Fuente del Espino route, Ruta 11 Mantiel, reaches Chillarón 4.5 km after its starting point. These figures indicate both the total route length and the point along the route where it reaches the town. The Viaje a la Alcarria tourist and cultural route also passes through Chillarón del Rey.
Landscape around Entrepeñas
Cerro de Cimajo, above the town, is made of gypsum and limestone and contains hundreds of mica crystals. Chillarón del Rey sits above the waters of the Entrepeñas Reservoir and offers one of the Alcarria’s widest, most open panoramic views. The short Arroyo Saucejo runs through the valley and carries its water into the reservoir. The surrounding area has vineyards, grain fields, olive groves and small family gardens. Fishing in Entrepeñas is part of the local tourism and sports offering; check local conditions and permits before taking part.
Annual festivities
Los cañamones is celebrated every year on the third Saturday in June. The patron saint festivities in honour of the Santísimo Cristo de los Remedios take place on the fourth weekend of August. They include dancing, music, bull runs and activities for children, among other events. If you’d like to plan your stay around one of the festivities, check the exact event dates and programme in advance.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Abánades, Irueste, Luzaga, Majaelrayo, Horche, Alocén, Peñalén, Fuentelencina
For the broader travel overview: Guadalajara.
