Black and Golden Architecture of Guadalajara
Well-preserved rural landscape
Well-preserved rural landscape
The Black and Golden Architecture are located in certain villages of the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara, and stand out for the use of materials such as slate of different shades, limestone, wood and clay in the construction of houses and other types of architectural elements.
In these villages, located in the Sierras de Ayllón and Alto Rey, you can admire houses, walls, barns, enclosures, churches, fountains, etc... built with these materials, creating a fairytale environment in the middle of an exceptional natural landscape.
The traditional houses are of low height, with doors and windows of small dimensions to conserve heat in winter and keep the coolness in summer. Inside, the floors may be of slate or fired brick, and the partitions are made of adobe reinforced with wood.
The use of these local materials contributes to the environmental sustainability of the area, reducing the ecological footprint of the buildings and promoting the circular economy.
Black Architecture
Black Architecture is a distinctive style rooted in certain localities of the Sierra de Ayllón. Slate, besides being abundant in these areas, was historically preferred due to limitations in the means of communication that prevented access to other alternative materials.
This type of architecture is applied to a variety of constructions, from dwellings to agricultural and livestock enclosures, tainas for livestock, roads and bridges.
Some of the most representative villages of Black Architecture are: Valverde de los Arroyos, Majaelrayo, El Espinar, Campillo de Ranas or Robleluengo, also existing localities where there are examples of both types of architecture (black and golden), as is the case of Almiruete or Palancares.
Golden Architecture
The Golden Architecture, on the other hand, stands out for the combination of slate with limestone and boulder, creating a chromatic contrast that enriches the landscape of these towns in Guadalajara. When sunlight falls on these constructions, they acquire a bright golden hue, which is the origin of the name that characterizes this region.
Some of the representative villages of the Golden Architecture are Hiendelaencina, Arroyo de Fraguas, Las Navas de Jadraque, Bustares, Zarzuela de Jadraque and Villares de Jadraque.
First-time visitors to the golden villages often comment that they remind them of the black villages, and this is true in terms of their structure and appearance, although there are important differences, especially in their location, as they are located in the foothills and surroundings of the Sierra del Alto Rey.
Tourism helps us to preserve our heritage
The Black and Golden Architecture of Guadalajara are an integral part of the cultural heritage of Castilla-La Mancha and represent the history and tradition of this Autonomous Community. Today, these historic buildings have become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over eager to explore the beauty and charm of these villages.
It is important to remember that this sustainable tourism has become a way to protect and promote these unique constructions, ensuring their conservation over time. Collaboration between local entities, government agencies and the community is essential to ensure the protection and conservation of this unique part of Guadalajara.
Many municipalities in this region have implemented regulations aimed at preserving this architectural style. These regulations include the promotion of the majority use of slate, as well as the restriction of certain modern elements.
Many villages of the Black and Golden Architecture celebrate patron saint festivals, gastronomic fairs and cultural events throughout the year, these celebrations are an occasion to enjoy the local gastronomy, traditional music and festive atmosphere characteristic of this peculiar inland destination.