Aragonese Millin Guadalajara, is considered the coldest city in spainwith extremely low temperatures in winter. Located in the “Cold Triangle” Like Teruel and Calamocha, in January, minimum temperatures of -3.5ºC are usually recorded and it snows on average four days, with frost present 80% of the days of the month. The lowest temperature recorded was -28.2ºC in January 1952, although in summer it can reach maximum temperatures of up to 38ºC.
Despite Molina de Aragón’s fame, other towns also experience extremely low temperatures during the winter months. Cantalojas, in Guadalajararecorded temperatures below -20ºC, even with frosts in summer. Zafrilla, in Cuenca, and towns in Castile and Leon such as Santa Eulalia del Río Negro also stand out for their low temperatures. The lowest minimum officially recorded in Spain was -32ºC in the Estangento lake, in the Lleida Pyrenees.
Molina de Aragón, the coldest town in Spain
Molina de Aragón is home to a great architectural heritage. It castle-alcazarThe largest in the province of Guadalajara, stands out as the medieval symbol of the city. This imposing Romanesque castle, renovated after the victory of Alfonso I Batallador, preserves six of the eight original towers. Access to the fortress is through the Clock Gate and the Torre de Aragón, one of its main attractions, offers impressive views from its crenellated terrace.
Near the castle, there is the Church of Santa Claraone of the best examples of late Romanesque on the peninsula. Its construction features reddish sandstone ashlar walls and a single-nave interior with a straight presbytery and a semicircular apse. Also of particular interest is the Monastery of San Francisco, founded in the 13th century and converted into a regional museum after various transformations. This museum offers a varied collection including fossils, archaeological remains and exhibitions on human evolution.
Among other places of interest, the old bridge, built in reddish sandstone, stands out for its Romanesque style and its role as a link between the city and the monastery of San Francisco. It is also advisable to visit the many historic palaces, such as the Viceroy’s Palace in Manilawhich reflect the city’s noble past.
Also stroll through the narrow and ancient streets of Molina de Aragón, such as the Jewish quarter and the Moorish quarter, It allows you to feel the authentic atmosphere of the city, with its traditional houses and medieval charm.
History
During the Caliphate period, the region of Molina de Aragón was sparsely populated, mainly by Arabized Berbers. After the disintegration of the Caliphate, a small taifa kingdom was formed, mentioned in the “Mio Cid’s Song”In 1128, Alfonso I of Aragon took over the region, but it then passed into the hands of Castile. In 1139, Manrique de Lara conquered it again, forming the Señorío de Molina, a territory independent of Aragon and Castile for more than a century and a half.
In 1366, during the war between Castile and AragonThe population of Molina rebelled against Castile and placed itself under Aragonese sovereignty, returning to Castile in 1375 as part of the dowry of Eleanor of Aragon. During the War of Independence, the resistance of the Molinese provoked reprisals from Napoleonic troops who burned the city. In recognition, the Cortes awarded it the title of “Very Noble and Very Loyal City”.
Climate
Molina de Aragón has a continental climate. Winters are very cold, with average minimum temperatures of -5 °C for 44 nights per year and an average of 122 nights with gels. Winter temperatures can drop to -28°C, as was recorded on January 28, 1952. Summers in Molina de Aragón are pleasant, with daily temperatures above 30°C on average, but only 40 days a year.
The local weather station records an average annual precipitation of 443.1 mm, concentrated in spring and autumn. In winter, it snows on average 17 days, with December and January being the months with the heaviest snowfall. Among the climate recordshighlights the maximum temperature of 38 °C recorded on August 14, 1987 and the minimum temperature of -28.2 °C on January 28, 1952. The maximum daily precipitation was 70 mm, which occurred in July 1970, and the strongest wind gust reached 104 km/h on December 2, 1976.
Gastronomy
He roast lamb in the style of Molina de Aragón This is an iconic dish from Spain’s coldest city, prepared with tender lamb slowly roasted in a wood-fired oven, giving it a distinctive flavour. Another standout is trout a la molinesa, caught in local rivers and cooked with a traditional sauce made with garlic, peppers and tomatoes. Finally, migas de pastor reflect Molina de Aragón’s rural roots, prepared with crumbled hard bread, garlic, olive oil and chorizo, resulting in a simple but flavour-packed dish.
