Pastrana

The Ducal Town of Pastrana, situated in the district of La Alcarria (Guadalajara), was designated a Site of Historical-Artistic Interest in 1966 and today conserves much of its mediaeval layout and the artistic wealth it gathered during the golden age

The Ducal Town's period of splendour came during the 16th century, when great works were carried out thanks to the Duke and Duchess of Pastrana: Don Ruy Gómez de Silva and Doña Ana de Mendoza y de la Cerda, better known as the Princess of Eboli, completed the Ducal Palace and promoted the parish church to collegiate church, which is home to a magnificent collection of Gothic tapestries of Alphonso V of Portugal.

 

Teresian Places

In 1569, the Prince and Princess of Eboli called St Teresa of Jesus to found a Barefoot Carmelite convent, creating that of San José for women and that of San Pedro (today El Carmen) for men.

The Convent of San José is a collection of houses and the simple, beautiful church we see today was built in the 17th century. It belonged to the Carmelite Reform until it was occupied by Franciscan Conceptionist nuns following problems with Eboli.

The Convent of El Carmen was occupied by Carmelite monks until the sale of church lands ordered by Mendizábal. Its members included St John of the Cross, who was master of novices. Today, it is occupied by the Franciscan Order and is home to a Museum of St Teresa and Natural History.