Winter changes the Spanish landscape, turning the valleys and mountain ranges white and bringing with it a cold that, although unusual in most parts of the country, turns certain corners into veritable ice poles. Spain, known for its bright and mild temperatures, is also holding frozen secrets between its mountains and highlands.
There, in the heart of the peninsula, there are places where the thermometer drops to the values typical of Nordic latitudes and ice becomes a recurring companion in the morning. Among all these enclaves Molina de Aragon has earned the title of being the coldest city in Spaina place where you can experience winter intensively and explore history under the protection of its centuries-old walls.
Located in the province of Guadalajara, more than 1,000 meters altitudeMolina de Aragón is integrated into what meteorologists call the “Cold triangle‘, a region it shares with the Aragonese cities of Teruel and Calamocha. In this triangle, winters are synonymous with extreme temperatures and landscapes covered in frost for most of the year.
According to official records and data from the meteorological network, Molina de Aragón holds this record for several reasons. In January the average minimum temperatures drop to -3.5°Cand it snows on average four days a month. It is not surprising that on the 24th of the 31 days in January the Frosts are the protagonistseffects on the 80% of the days. During the day, mercury levels are rarely exceeded 8.5°Ctransforming the city into a true icy refuge in the heart of the peninsula.
The cold doesn’t just happen in January. In December the minimum values are also below -2°C and the snow covered the city at least twice, according to the records of eltiempo.es. One of the most extreme episodes occurred in December 2001 when the temperature dropped The minimum average reached -11°Ca fact that reflects the harshness of the Molinese winters.
But the number that impresses most is that of the historic low temperature: the January 28, 1952the thermometers stood out -28.2°Ca record that makes Molina de Aragón a benchmark for extreme cold in the country. Although there are other locations where lower specific values have been recorded, such as Cantalojas in Guadalajara or Zafrilla In Cuenca, none has such a pronounced thermal constancy as in Molina.
Although the cold defines the identity of Molina de Aragonthe city offers much more than just thermal records. The traveler who decides to brave the low temperatures discovers a monumental heritage that surprises for its richness and state of preservation. The castle of Molina de Aragón, perched on a hill overlooking the valley, is the best example of its medieval past. Its outer walls, dotted with defensive towers, reflect the strategic importance that the city has had for centuries. The interior complex once had eight towers, of which the remains of two and another four are now preserved in good condition. They are connected by a crenellated corridor, which invites you to take a tour of the fortress with panoramic views of the region.
This is next to the castle San Francisco Monasteryfounded at the end of the 13th century, and the Regional Museum They round off the community’s cultural offerings. Both buildings, which now house a retirement home, preserve traces of the various historical phases that the city has gone through. The walk through Molina de Aragón inevitably leads to the Jewish quarter with a strong medieval character and to the La Moreria districtlocated on the other side of the river. Crossing the red sandstone Romanesque bridge with its three arches and breakwaters visible next to the batteries, you will immerse yourself in the history of the city and admire one of its most famous symbols.
In the religious area it is Santa Clara ChurchJewel of the Romanesque, and the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor Gilrebuilt after a fire in the 20th century. Both add to the list of treasures that make Molina de Aragón an essential destination for those who want to combine the experience of Spain’s coldest winters with the discovery of a unique monumental heritage.
The easiest way to reach Molina de Aragón is by car. Out of Zaragoza The journey via the A-2 and CM-210 takes about two hours. Out of Guadalajarayou can take the N-211 to Molina de Aragón, a route of about 90 km that takes about an hour and a half.
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