Day 59 - Beautiful Medinaceli
A journey through time, taste, and discoveries
Hello, and welcome back to our Happy Life On Wheels Substack. We're the digital nomad couple, and our faithful pom, Chewie, who are exploring Europe and living autonomously in our cozy caravan. Working remotely, we continue to discover new places, cultures, and adventures. After a delay that lasted far too long, we can finally start getting you up to date with our adventures so far. First up is the beautiful town of Medinacli.
Medinaceli is a town that we come across purely by chance. From Zaragoza we were struggling with where to go next—well, more like where the car could get us without overheating. While looking on the map, we came across a motorhome area in Medinaceli that looked beautiful, although, at nearly two hours away from Zaragoza, it was a little too far to get to in one go. Therefore, we decided to make a couple of stops along the way.
The first stop was in the very small but charming town of Alfamén, which had beautiful art throughout the walls of the town. Next up was a Repsol service area, which had surprisingly nice views and walks into the countryside. We then had the final stint up to Medinaceli. We were a little worried as it did require us to go uphill, but the car managed, and we were soon greeted with beautiful views.
Medinaceli, is another town that received the title of one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. It is a small town in the province of Soria that is a hidden gem that has managed to preserve its historical charm while embracing the modern world. As we parked our caravan in the designated area, we were immediately captivated by the town's serene atmosphere and picturesque views.
The history of Medinaceli is a rich tapestry of different cultures and epochs. Founded by the Celtiberians, it was later a Roman municipium, an Islamic medina, and a Christian frontier town. Each of these periods has left its mark on the town, creating a unique blend of architectural styles and cultural influences.
The Roman Arch of Medinaceli, the only three-gated Roman arch in Spain, is a testament to the town's ancient past. Walking under its grand arches, one can almost hear the echoes of Roman legions marching through the town. The arch, standing proudly on a hill, offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
The town's Islamic past is evident in the layout of the old quarter, with its narrow, winding streets and traditional houses. The Ducal Palace, although now in ruins, still bears traces of the Moorish architectural style.
But Medinaceli is not just about the past. The town has embraced the present with open arms. The local cuisine is a delightful fusion of traditional recipes and modern culinary techniques. The town is also known for its vibrant festivals, such as the Toro Jubilo, which add a touch of modernity to its historical charm.
Every corner of Medinaceli has a story to tell, and we were eager to listen. We might have still been getting over the colds that we picked up from the rainy walks in Zaragoza, but the experience was worth it!
Medinaceli, with its rich history and modern vibrancy, is a town that engages both the heart and mind. It's a place where every stone has a tale to tell, where every street echoes with the laughter and lively chatter of its inhabitants, and where the past and future coexist in harmony. A visit to Medinaceli is not just a journey through a Spanish town; it's a journey through time, taste, and discoveries.
Something To Try
If you visit Medinaceli we highly recommend the sweet butter that is made locally. The taste is beautiful, and it’s very addictive to tear off a chunk of bread and cover it in sweet butter, maybe with a nice glass of vino. If you want to try it at home, we did manage to track it down online HERE.
Next Up…
Next on our travels, we have a triple header - Sigüenza, Nuevo Baztán & the city of Madrid. Each is unique and has its own charm, history, and culture to explore and enjoy. If you are looking for a diverse and exciting itinerary, you can’t go wrong with these three destinations. You will discover the beauty, creativity, and diversity of Spain in every corner.
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Any Questions?
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The link below should show the caravan and pet-friendly places that we have personally been to. Obviously, new places will be added regularly as we continue our adventure.
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