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Cas
tilla
-La
Man
cha
Spai
n
AlbaceteCiudad Real
CuencaGuadalajara
Toledo
France
United Kingdom
Ireland
Morocco
Madrid
Paris
London
Dublin
Lisbon
Rabat
Spain
Castilla-La Mancha
Canary Islands
Atlantic Ocean
Cantabrian Sea
Medite
rranea
n Sea
Portugal
Ceuta Melilla
INTRODUCTION 1
Getting to Know Castilla-La Mancha 2
History 3
Natural Wealth 5
Don Quixote Country 7
La Mancha 9
A TOUR THROUGH THE CAPITAL
CITIES AND PROVINCES 13
Albacete 13
Ciudad Real 19
Cuenca 24
Guadalajara 30
Toledo 36
LEISURE AND EVENTS 43
USEFUL INFORMATION 47
IV
601
VI
IV
IV
III
II
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V
I
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III
Emb.del Zújar
Emb. deOrellana
Emb. deEntrepeñas
Emb.de Buendia
Emb. de Guadalmena Emb.
del Cenajo
Emb.de la Serena
Emb.del Cijara
Lagunasde Ruidera
Emb.de Alarcón
Lagunade Gallocanta
Emb.de Contreras
Emb. deSan Juan
Emb.de Guadalén
Emb. FuentesClaras
Emb. deEl Atazar
Emb. deCazalegas
Emb. deRosarito
Emb.SanClemente
Emb. RumblarEmb.
de Argos
Rio
Duratón
Cega
Rio
Rio
Rio
Zap
ardi
el
Adaja
Tajuña
Henar
es
Cig
üela
Rio
Guadiela
RIO
TURIA
Cabriel
JÚCAR
RIO
Gua
darr
ama
Algodor
Alberche
Tiétar
RIO
TAJO
RIO
GUADIANA
Rio
Jabalón
Guada
lmen
a
RioGua
dalé
n
Rio
Jánd
ula
Rio
Guadalimar
Rio
GUADALQUIVIR
RIO
RIO
SEGURA
Rio
Mundo
Rio
Rio
Rio
Jiloca
Gallo
Guadalviar
Ruidera
El Cañigral
Cillas
El Molinillo
Santa Marta
Sotuélamos
El Salobral
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Pozo Cañada
Arguellite
CancarixCasas del Puerto
Santiagode la Espada
Las Virtudes
Mesones
Fuencaliente
Cantalapiedra
Guadalupe
Casas de Don Pedro
Puebla de Alcocer
El Viso
Fuente Obejuna
Ragama
Salmoral
Alaraz
Olmedo
Retortillode Soria Barcones
Morónde Almazán
MonteagudoAdradas
Barahona
Medinaceli Arcosde Jalón
Coca
Hontalvilla Sepúlveda
Turégano
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Riaza
Pedraza
Prádena
San Ildelfonso o La Granja
Villacastín
Madrigal de las Altas Torres
FontiverosTiñosillos
Hernansancho
San Pedrodel Arroyo
Muñico
Diegodel
CarpioMuñana Muñogalindo
SolosanchoMengamuñoz
Navarredonda de Gredos
Piedralaves
Villalengua
Ariza Alhamade Aragón
AtecaCariñena
MaluendaMainar
Longares
Belchite
Daroca
Cubel
Campillode Aragón
BurbáguemaFonfría
Calamocha
Bello Vivel
Monrealdel Campo
Pozondón
Alfambra
Muniesa
Mezquitade Jarque
Albarracín
BezasTerrienteVillel
Cedrillas
Sarrión
TorrijasAbejuela
Buitrago de Lozoya
Rascafría La Cabrera
Miraflores
Navacerrada
Torrelaguna
Brunete
ChinchónFuentidueña de Tajo
Valdelacasade Tajo
CastiblancoValdecaballeros
Herreradel Duque
SomolinosCantalojasAtienza
Hiendelaencina
CogolludoJadraqueLedanca
ValderrebolloHumanes
Viñuelas
Cabanillas delCampo
TorijaBrihuega
HorcheSacedón
PastranaYebra
Mondéjar
Almoguera
Driebes Illana
Sigüenza Alcoleadel Pinar
MilmarcosMazarete
Ribade Saelices
Maranchón
Cifuentes
Rillode Gallo
Molinade Aragón
Castellarde la Muela
Vegadel Codorno
Zaorejas
Mantiel Salmerón
Povedade la Sierra
Alcocer
Embid
El Pobode Dueñas
Tordesilos
Navalcán
OropesaCazalegas
El Carpiode Tajo
La PueblanuevaCalera
y Chozas
La Calzadade Oropesa
ValmojadoEscalona
Sta. Cruzdel RetamarMaqueda
Seseña
Añover de Tajo
Olíasdel Rey
Bargas
Villasequilla Huerta de Valdecarábanos
YepesNoblejas
Villatobas
Santa Cruzde la Zarza
El Puentedel Arzobispo
Alcaudetede la Jara
NavahermosaPuerto
de San Vicente
Anchuras
La Navade Ricomalillo
Polán Mascaraque
Orgaz
Gálvez
Cuerva
San Martínde Montalbán
Menasalbas
Urda
La GuardiaLillo
Tembleque
El Toboso
Beteta
Buendía
HueteBarajasde Melo Carrascosa
del Campo
Uclés
Horcajo deSantiago
Saelices
Priego
Cañaveras
Villar deDomingo García Uña
Tragacete
Torrejoncillodel Rey
Montalbo
Vara del ReyVillanuevade la Jara
El Provencio
Cardenete
AliaguillaEnguidanos
MinglanillaVillalpardoIniesta
Ledaña
Valdemeca
SalvacañeteCañete
Huérguina
Landete
Talayuelas
Villamayorde Santiago
El Pedernoso
Valeria
Villar de CañasBuenachede Alarcón
La Almarcha
BelmonteHonrubia Alarcón
Motilladel Palancar
Retuertadel Bullaque
Horcajode los Montes Alcoba
Los Cortijos
El RobledoPorzuna
Puebla deDon Rodrigo
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Saceruela
AlmadenejosAlamillo
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Pozuelode Calatrava
Corral deCalatrava
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Viso delMarqués
Alhambra
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Castellarde Santiago
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Solanadel Pino
CasasIbáñez
Alcaládel Júcar
Mahora
Ossa deMontiel
Lezuza
BarraxLa Gineta
Balazote
ViverosRobledo
San PedroPozuelo
PozohondoAlcadozoPeñascosa
Alcaraz
BogarraAyna
Liétor
ValdegangaAlatoz
Higueruela
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Chinchillade Monte-Aragón
Pétrola Montealegredel Castillo
Fuente-Álamo
Ontur
Albatana
Molinicos Elchede la Sierra
Yeste Letur
Socovos
Nerpio
Ademuz
TitaguasChelva
Sinarcas
Camporrobles
Cofrentes
Jarafuel
Chera
Alpera
Fortuna
Belalcázar Santa Eufemia
Torrecampo
Cardeña
Villanuevade la Reina
Santa Elena
VilchesCastellar Segura
de la Sierra
Puebla deDon Fadrique
Algora
Munera
Puerto Lápice
Villardel Pozo
Mohorte
Fuentes
Villacañas
Villarrubia deSantiago
Villardel Humo
Moya
Algarra
CañizaresCañamares
Fuertescusa
Villar deOlalla
Villatoya
Reolid
Orea
Mariana
Las Ventas deSan Julián
Hormigos
Almonacidde Toledo
Cañaveruelas
HitaTrijueque
Majaelrayo
Esquivias
San Carlos del Valle
Villescusade Haro
Valverde delos Arroyos
Almonacid delMarquesado
Medinadel Campo
Hinojosadel Duque
Peñaranda de Bracamonte
Iscar
CuéllarCalatayud
ColmenarViejo
San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Galapagar
Las Rozas
San Martín de Valdeiglesias
S. Martín de la Vega
Arganda
Cabezadel Buey
La Pueblade Montalbán
Torrijos
Fuensalida
Illescas
Ocaña
MoraSonseca
Los Yébenes
Consuegra
L a Pueblade Almoradiel Quintanar
de la Orden
Tarancón
Las PedroñerasSan Clemente
Quintanardel Rey
Mota del Cuervo
Malagón
Campode Criptana
PedroMuñoz
Herencia
Socuéllamos
Almadén
DaimielMiguelturra
Almagro
Almodóvardel Campo
Argamasillade Calatrava
Calzadade Calatrava
Argamasillade Alba
Manzanares
Membrilla La Solana
Moral deCalatrava Villanueva
de los Infantes
Sta. Cruzde Mudela
Villarrobledo
La Roda
Tarazonade la Mancha
Almansa
Caudete
Tobarra
Hellín
Utiel
Requena
Ayora
Pinoso
Albatera
Orihuela
Jumilla
MoratallaCalasparra
Caravacade la Cruz Ceheguín Archena
Villanuevade Córdoba
Pozoblanco
Bujalance
La Carolina
BailénMarmolejo
Arjona
Beas deSegura
Villanuevadel Arzobispo
Villacarrillo
Baeza
Peal deBecerro Cazorla
Arévalo
Madridejos
Poblete
Manzaneque
Alcobendas
Leganés
Parla
AranjuezTalavera
de la Reina
Alcázar deSan Juan
Tomelloso
Puertollano
ValdepeñasVillena
Yecla
Cieza
Molina de Segura
Alcantarilla
LinaresAndújar
Úbeda
GetafeMóstoles
Alcalá deHenares
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CUENCA
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MURCIA
TOLEDO
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2294Serrota
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Si e r r a d e A l c a r a z
L A A L C A R R I A
L A M A N C H A
COMUNIDAD
VALENCIANA
REGIÓN
DE
MURCIA
A N D A L U C Í A
EXTREMADURA
COMUNIDAD
DE MADRID
CASTILLA Y LEÓNA R A G Ó N
C A S T I L L A - L A M A N C H A
VALLADOLID 27 km ARANDA DE DUERO 17 km OSMA 33 km SORIA 32 km ZARAGOZA 43 kmA
LCA
ÑIZ
72 kmS
AG
UN
TO 73 km
VA
LEN
CIA
40 kmX
ÁT
IVA
33 kmA
LICA
NT
E 32 km
ELC
HE
15 km
BAZA 67 km LORCA 67 kmGUADIX 63 kmJAÉN 23 kmSEVILLA 130 km
AZ
UA
GA
28
kmM
ÉR
IDA
84
kmT
RU
JILL
O 7
0 km
SA
LAM
AN
CA
84
km
PP
PH
PP
PP
PP
PP
PP
PP
PP
PP
PP
PP
PP
PPPP
PP
PP
PP
MADRID
344
301
340
322
323
420
502
420
430
430
310
430
322
301
301
430
320
310
420
420
320
400
204
211
234
330
420
234
420
330
330
110
A-6
403
502
400
401
502
430
301
401
A-31
1261
1242
Molatón
744
1257
Roble
1107
Los Barreros
1257
Almenaras
1087
Bolos
1117
Atalayade la Calzada
1300
Estrella
1323
Bañuela
1108
Judío
1209
Calderina
1010
Machero
1419
Corral deCantos
1279
Cumbre Alta
877
1180
Alfomira
1062
Entredichos 1401
Cuerda
1419
Pelado
1838
Collado Bajo
1695
Javalón
2020
Javalambre
1866
Mogorrita
1346
Herrera1423
Santa Cruz
1518
1518
2001
Revolcadores
2381
Segóbriga
PARQUE NACIONALDE CABAÑEROS
PARQUE NACIONAL DELAS TABLAS DE DAIMIEL
P. N. HAYEDO DETEJERA NEGRA
P. N. LAGUNASDE RUIDERA
P. N. DEL ALTO TAJO
50 Km.10 20 30 40
CARTOGRAFÍA: GCAR, S.L. Cardenal Silíceo, 35Tel. 91 416 73 41 - 28002 MADRID - AÑO 2000
N
0
AutopistaAutovíaCarretera nacionalCtra. Red básica 1er ordenCtra. Red básica 2º orden
Carretera localFerrocarrilA.V.E.Parque Nacional
Parque naturalParadorMonumentoRuinas históricasVista PanorámicaCampingCampo de golfBalnearioPuerto deportivoAeropuertoPatrimonio de la Humanidad
AutorouteRoute à double chausséeRoute nationaleRte du réseau de base 1er ordreRte du réseau de base 2e ordre
Route localeChemin de ferA.V.E. ( TGV)Parc national
Parc naturelParadorMonument
Ruines historiquesVue panoramiqueCampingTerrain de golfStation thermalePort de plaisance
AéroportPatrimoine de l'Humanité
AutobahnSchnellstrasseNationalstrasseHauptverkehrsstrasse 1. Kat.Hauptverkehrsstrasse 2. Kat.
GemeindestrasseEisenbahnAVE (Hochgeschwindigkeitszug)Nationalpark
NaturparkParador-HotelBaudenkmal
Historische RuinenAussichtspunktCampingplatzGolfplatzKurortJachthafen
FlughafenMenschheitserbe
Toll road MotorwayNational highwayPrimary regional roadSecondary regional road
Local roadRailwayAVENational Park
Nature ParkParadorMonument
Historic ruinsPanoramic viewCampgroundsGolf courseHealth spaMarina
AirportWorld Heritage Site
Introduction
A land of contrasts, dramaticlandscapes and extensive plains;this is Castilla-La Mancha.This Autonomous Community,located in the center of theIberian Peninsula, is a surprise to visitors for its cultural,geographical andenvironmental diversity. Smallfarmers and nomadic livestockbreeders erected towns across a formerly uninhabited area. The region has beenimmortalized by the pen ofMiguel de Cervantes in hisworld-famous Don Quixote de La Mancha. The entireAutonomous Community hasclusters of picturesque villages bathed in tranquilitywhich have been able to escape the accelerated pace oflarger cities. Castilla-La Manchais a land worth getting to know thoroughly andunhurriedly.
Toledo is the capital of theAutonomous Community whichalso comprises the provinces ofAlbacete, Ciudad Real, Cuencaand Guadalajara. The territorystretches through the southernhalf of the vast plateau of theMeseta between the Centralmountain range, the IberianMountains and Sierra Morena.Two great rivers traverse thearea: the Tajo (Tagus) and theGuadiana. The Tajo runs throughToledo and Guadalajara, and theGuadiana divides the provinceof Ciudad Real.
With a population of around1,700,000, Castilla-La Manchahas important protected naturereserves such as the RuideraLagoons, Cabañeros and theTablas de Daimiel. The cities of Cuenca and Toledo have both been declared WorldHeritage Sites.
Nature Park of Ruidera Lagoons
2
The region’s cuisine appeals tothe rural and agriculturalcharacter which defines the fiveprovinces. Wine and Manchegocheese accompany a gastronomythat never ceases to offer new ideas.
Castilla-La Mancha has beencaught up in the recent boom ofrural tourism. A good number oflodgings is available, along with complementary facilities,enabling visitors to enjoy sportssuch as hiking, horseback riding,swimming and parapente. A good transportation networkcrisscrosses the region withmotorways and railways,including the high-speed traincalled “AVE”, and makes visitingthe area more convenient.
Getting to Know Castilla-La Mancha
Castilla-La Mancha consists of79,226 square kilometers,occupying a good part of thesouthern sub-plateau. Itsgeographical features arediverse but also provide acommon tie. Castilla-La Manchais like a large river basin withthe Toledo Mountains runningfrom east to west separating it,a dividing line been the Tajoand Guadiana rivers. In thenorth lies the Sistema Central or central chain of mountains. The high plains are located in theeast; in the west is the southern
edge of the Serranía de Gredos,and in the south, the SierraMorena, a huge massif with the base of the plateau fading into the distance.
The climate is another aspectwhich shows great diversity.Temperate zones alternate withvast arid areas. The climate canbe classified as ContinentalMediterranean, with coldwinters and hot summers.Spring and autumn register mildtemperatures. The rainy seasoncoincides with the last fewmonths of winter. In theprovinces of Cuenca andGuadalajara, rainfall is higher,while the more arid areas extendthrough the southern part of theregion through the provinces ofToledo and Ciudad Real.
The population density ofCastilla-La Mancha is the lowest on the Iberian Peninsula(21 inhabitants per squarekilometer compared with thenational average of 75 per
Vernacular architecture
square kilometer). This is due tothe extensive arid areas withdeep-rooted forest and pastoralactivity, as well as dry farmingwith large areas left fallow.
The privileged geographicallocation of this Community hashelped it become a rapidavenue of direct communicationbetween the province capitalsand the rest of Spain, aided bythe roads crisscrossing thishistoric land from north tosouth and east to west. The N-IIbetween Madrid and Barcelonadivides the province ofGuadalajara in two. The N-IIIbetween Madrid and Valenciaruns through a good portion of southern Cuenca province.The N-IV connecting Madrid withAndalusia is the most importanthighway in the Community.Lastly, the N-V to Extremaduraruns through the northern partof Toledo province. The N-401links Madrid and the city ofToledo.
The extensive area is well-servedby the railway system linking
Spain’s AutonomousCommunities. The high-speed“AVE” train has stations in thecities of Ciudad Real andPuertollano.
History
The region has a prolific pastdating back to pre-Roman timeswhen Castilla-La Mancha wasinhabited by Celtic and Iberiantribes (Carpetani, Vetoni andOretani). Toledo is indisputablythe capital with the greatesthistoric legacy. Between theyears 573 and 711, Toledo wascapital of the Visigothickingdom. During the Moorishoccupation, between the 8th
and 11th centuries, Toledo wasthe capital of a “Taifa”kingdom. The domains werevery similar to the presentboundaries of the AutonomousCommunity. Finally, in the year1085, Toledo was returned onceagain to Christian hands.
The present territorialorganization dates from theLower Middle Ages, coincidingwith the conquest of thekingdoms of Castile and Leon by Fernando III. Repopulation by a nobility system waspromoted by the religiousknightly orders of Calatrava,Santiago (St.James) and SanJuan (St. John) whichconsolidated a structure of large estates.
Mosque of Cristo de la Luz in Toledo
3
4
The government of the Catholicmonarchs, Ferdinand andIsabella, brought a period oftranquility and prosperity toCastile. Toledo became one ofthe most important cities in thekingdom. Ecclesiastical poweralso took shape at this time.Over the years, Toledo becamethe capital of the Spanishempire. Finally, in the year 1561,king Felipe II decided to transferthe Court to Madrid, and Toledobegan to suffer a relentlesssocial and cultural recession.
The period between the 17th
and 19th centuries was especially adverse for the regionas a result of an acute crisis anda severe decline in population.Seigniorial classes dominated anagricultural-based rural societywith villages and cities growingpoorer and more backwards.During the Peninsular War(1808-1812), known as the Warof Independence in Spain, theregion was devastated sociallyand economically.
In the 19th century, a series of definitive changes wereinitiated which could still be felt into the next century. The secularization of churchland and abolition of theprivileges of the Meseta favoredthe working classes, creating asolid framework based onagriculture and livestock.
Today, Castilla-La Mancha is aprosperous region where theagricultural activities of thelarge Manchegan areas arecombined with the buddingindustrial zones of the mainurban centers. In 1982, theStatute of Autonomy of Castilla-La Mancha was approved with Toledo as capital of theAutonomous Community andseat of the regional parliament.
Natural Wealth
Castilla-La Mancha comprisesthree of the most importantnature reserves on the IberianPeninsula: Tablas de Daimiel andCabañeros National Parks andRuidera Lagoons Nature Park.Daimiel and Ruidera are twowetlands of great ecologicalvalue, rich in wildlife, inparticular migratory birds.Cabañeros is representative ofthe authentic MediterraneanIberian forest.
The Parque Nacional de lasTablas de Daimiel (1,928 hectares),
Serranía de Cuenca
5
declared a National Park in1973, is located at theconfluence of the Cigüela and Guadiana rivers in thegeographical heartland of La Mancha. This flat wateryexpanse is the last of the oncevast wetlands, characteristic ofthe central plains. The “tablas”or shallow lagoons areovergrown with vegetation,forming an exceptional habitatfor the water fauna aboundingin the area. Of the eight speciesof Spanish herons, seven can befound at Daimiel. Red-crestedpochard, marsh harriers andother aquatic birds can also be seen.
The Parque Natural de lasLagunas de Ruidera is located inthe region of Campo deMontiel, in one of the mostimportant lake areas on theIberian Peninsula. This naturepark is a succession of fourteenlagoons, nine of which are inthe township of Ossa de Montielin the province of Albacete andthe rest in Argamasilla andVillahermosa in the province ofCiudad Real. The park extendsalong 25 kilometers. Of specialinterest is the waterfowl, such asthe mallard, red-crested pochard,coot, loon, tufted duck, as wellas a large variety of birds ofprey, amphibians and bustards.
In the northwestern part of theprovince of Ciudad Real, almost
at the southern edge of theToledo mountains, is the densegreen reserve called ParqueNacional de Cabañeros (40,000hectares), declared a NationalPark in 1995. Nine hundredbotanical species and 276species of invertebrates havebeen identified within the park.It is home to the second largestcolony of black vultures inEurope, with twenty percent ofthe continent’s population.Visits to Cabañeros NationalPark are limited to 42 personsper day.
The Sierra de Alcaraz is situatedin the southeastern part ofAlbacete province. The mostremarkable sight is the source ofthe Mundo river (nacimiento delrío Mundo). On a rocky wallmore than one hundred metershigh, a cave spills forth awaterfall of extraordinarybeauty.
Cabañeros National Park,
Ciudad Real
Hayedo de Tejera Negra in Cantalojas, Guadalajara
The abrupt landscape of theSerranía de Cuenca is thehabitat of a large group ofwildlife species. Originating inthe northwest portion of theprovince, it continues on to theflatlands of La Manchuela. The hunting reserve ofHosquillo can be found here.Likewise, the gorges of theCabriel river or Hoces del RíoCabriel were declared a naturereserve in 1995. Located halfwaybetween the provinces ofCuenca and Albacete, theirchief interest lies in the naturalcourse chiseled by the river inthe craggy limestone landscape.
The province of Guadalajarashelters two protected reservesof great ecological value: AltoTajo and the Hayedo de TejeraNegra. The Alto Tajo runsthrough high open plains, deepgorges and abrupt rockylandscapes. The Park of Hayedode Tejera Negra is situated inthe northwestern part of theprovince, in the Sierra de Ayllón.
This protected area is home tocentury-old beech, yew, birchand holly trees.
The Sierra de San Vicenteoccupies the northern edge ofthe province of Toledo, near theSierra de Gredos. Punctuatedwith chestnut and oak groves,these are good pasturelands forraising livestock.
Cabañeros National Park (Parque Nacional de Cabañeros)Pueblonuevo del Bullaque (Ciudad Real)* 926 77 53 84
Tablas de Daimiel National Park (Parque Nacional de las Tablas deDaimiel)Daimiel (Ciudad Real)* 926 69 31 18
Nature Park of Ruidera Lagoons (Parque Natural de las Lagunas deRuidera)Ruidera (Ciudad Real)* 926 21 37 40
7
Don Quixote Country
Miguel de Cervantes not onlyuniversalized the name ofLa Mancha, his literary masterpiece,Don Quixote also immortalizedthe land, infusing it with magicand charm, chivalrous adventuresand poetic passion. The roads of La Mancha carry the travelerover fictional routes throughlofty lands where the knight-errant Don Quixote convertedordinary inns into castles andwindmills into giants.
A good place to begin theQuixote route and view somewindmills is at the Toledan townof Consuega. The white-washedfacades and grand old ramblinghouses scattered throughout theold quarter allude to bygonedays. In the heart of the town,various examples of architecturefrom diverse periods have beenpreserved. The Church of SanJuan Bautista and the Conventof Las Carmelitas are from the
16th and 17th centuries,respectively. The RenaissanceTown Hall (Ayuntamiento)stands on the Plaza de España.
Close by is Madridejos, a towndating back to the Romanperiod. Amid homes of oldaristocratic families, othermonuments include the 16th
century parish church, theConvent of San Francisco, withits church and cloister, thebaroque Convent of Las Clarisas,and the neoclassical jurisdictionalpillar called Rollo de Justicia.
Another distinctively Quixotictown is Puerto Lápice, atraditional stop along the N-IVroad. The silhouette of thehidalgo Don Quixote seated onhis inseparable horse Rocinanteleaves no doubt we are in La Mancha country.
The N-420 will take the traveler toHerencia, another town of whitehouses and old noble homes withcontinuous references toCervantes’ fictional world. Herestands the Church of NuestraSeñora de la Merced, foundedby Juan of Austria. Scholars who have studied the Quixotebelieve that Argamasilla de Albawas the place referred to in theopening sentence of the bookwhich reads “In a place of LaMancha, whose name I do not
Plaza Mayor in El Toboso, Toledo
8
choose to recall…” A fewkilometers from the Ruideralagoons, not far from Ossa deMontiel in Albacete province,the traveler comes upon theCave of Montesinos, whereCervantes situated one of themost memorable episodes aboutAlonso Quixano. Tomelloso andLa Solana are other towns alongthe Quixote route.
Several kilometers away isAlcázar de San Juan, one of themain railway junctions ofCastilla La Mancha. The townalso boasts a rich monumentallegacy, including a collection ofRoman mosaics in the MunicipalMuseum. The Plaza de SantaMaría and the Torreón del GranPrior are the city’s main landmarks.
Campo de Criptana is the nextstop on the route. Thecountryside is presided over by acluster of famous windmills thatDon Quixote took for giants.Only a dozen have beenpreserved, three of them havebeen declared historicmonuments for their antiquity.These windmills are one-fourthof the total number still
standing in La Mancha, where at one time more than fourhundred could be counted.Campo de Criptana, attractivecapital of the region of thesame name, features the Churchof Nuestra Señora de la Asunción,the Pósito or communal granary,and the baroque church of theConvent of El Carmen as itsprincipal monuments.
Mota del Cuervo in the provinceof Cuenca is an influential townknown as the “Balcony of La Mancha” for its impressiveviews. The potters’ district is ofspecial interest where pitchersare traditionally made.
The Quixote route continues onto Belmonte, birthplace of thereligious writer Fray Luis deLeón. The group of monumentsis of special interest, particularlythe elegant well-preservedcastle, Gothic in style withMudéjar influences. Mudéjar is a style named after the Moorswho remained in the territoriesrecovered during the Christian
Cueva de Medrano in
Argamasilla de Alba, Ciudad Real
Campo de Criptana, Ciudad Real
9
Reconquest and is characterizedby Islamic influences.
The Quixote route ends in thesame province that served as thestarting point. The province ofToledo embraces the town withthe most Quixotic flavor, El Toboso, literary hometown ofDon Quixote’s lady-love, whereDulcinea’s “birthplace” stands, a typical old 16th centuryManchegan structure. The samesquare where we find the Churchof San Antonio Abad is presidedover by the sculpture in metalrepresenting the encounterbetween the knight and hisbeloved maiden. Also on thesquare is the Museo Cervantino,a modern museum exhibiting aninteresting collection of editionsof Don Quixote in differentlanguages, signed by illustriouspersonages from around the world.
Another interesting stop isEsquivias, located in the northernpart of Toledo province, borderingon the Community of Madrid.Here the wife of Cervantes,Catalina Salazar y Palacios, wasborn. The 16th century two-storyhouse where the couple lived ispreserved, a short distance fromthe parish church.
La Mancha
La Mancha occupies the centralplains of the region, whereQuixotic spirit and genuine ruralflavor blend to form a spaciousarea united by its distinctivelandscape and heritage. La Mancha can also be subdividedinto different geographicalregions. For example, the routecalled “Plains of La Mancha”runs through towns in the east,mainly in Albacete province, butalso Ciudad Real and Cuenca.The first stop is Tarazona de la Mancha, where La Mancha ends and La Manchuela begins. The main square or Plaza Mayoris a splendid example of civilarchitecture from the 17th
century with lovely projectingwooden balconies.
Heading towards the center ofthe region, the traveler comesacross La Roda, in the heart of
Plaza Mayor inTarazona de la Mancha, Albacete
Dulcinea’s House (Casa de Dulcinea)Quijote, 1. El Toboso (Toledo)* 925 19 72 88www.elquijote.com
the plains. Here stands thefamous Lighthouse of La Mancha (Faro de la Mancha),the tower of the Church ofEl Salvador, built in the 15th
century. The province ofAlbacete has other populoustowns, such as Villarrobledo,with important wine and cheeseproducing industries. Scatteredthroughout the town center arenoble homes, crosses, and the15th century Church of San Blas.The town is noted for makinglarge earthenware jars called“tinajas”.
The province of Ciudad Realpresents an open flat horizon,punctuated only by somewetlands of notable ecological
value. Grape growing iscombined with raising livestock.In the province of Ciudad Real,La Mancha boasts towns likeSocuéllamos with the parishChurch of La Asunción. In theoutskirts of the town is theSanctuary of Loreto. La Solanahas a fine Plaza Mayor with longarcaded galleries. Of interest onthe square are the Town Hall(Ayuntamiento) and the Churchof Santa Catalina. Valdepeñas isanother important town whoseeconomy is based almostentirely on wine producing. TheChurch of Nuestra Señora de laAsunción is the most significantbuilding in the town, occupyingone of the sides of the busyPlaza de España. Nearby, the
Church of El Salvador
in La Roda, Albacete
11
traveler can visit the small townof San Carlos del Valle whichboasts one of the most singularmain squares in the region.
La Mancha in Cuenca province isdotted with extensive fields ofgrain, vineyards and olive trees.Townships like San Clementeprovide good examples of theartistic spirit of the CastilianRenaissance. Its old quarter isclustered around the PlazaMayor on which the 15th
century Church of SantiagoApóstol stands. Mota del Cuervo is another importantManchegan town. It has apicturesque cluster of sevenwindmills portraying the typicalQuixotic image of La Mancha.
A few kilometers from Mota delCuervo is Belmonte, superbly seton a hill in the middle of thespacious plains of La Mancha.The town is crowned by asplendid Castle with a profuselydecorated interior. At the footof the fortress stands the LateGothic Collegiate Church of San Bartolomé. Belmonte alsoboasts an extensive curtain wall and old noble homes.
Other Manchegan towns inCuenca province are Villaescusade Haro and Tarancón; the latteris located at the eastern part ofthe province near an importantcommunications junction.Various buildings of the local
vernacular architecture havebeen preserved, as well ashouse-mansions from differentperiods, such as the Parada witha baroque doorway, the houseof the Duques de Riansaresand the Casa Leganesa.Also noteworthy is the Parish Church of la Asunción, a Gothic edifice rebuilt during thereign of Felipe II.
Santa Cruz de la Zarza is one ofthe gateways to the Toledanpart of La Mancha. The townlies on the Mesa de Ocaña,south of the Tajo river.Numerous coats of arms areproudly displayed on the oldnoble homes in the town’s oldquarter. Almost next door, thetraveler finds Villarrubia deSantiago and Noblejas, two
Church of Santa Catalina in
La Solana, Ciudad Real
towns with deep-rootedagricultural traditions.
Ocaña is located on ageographical step. To the southextend the plains of La Manchaand to the north, the low fertilevalleys of the Tajo. The PlazaMayor presides over the towncenter. Designed during thereign of Carlos III, the entireperimeter of the square isarcaded. Other interestingmonuments are the rollojurisdiccional (a stone pillar used to indicate jurisdiction) and the Fuente Nueva (NewFountain).
Just off the N-IV is Tembleque,which preserves one of the mostattractive main squares in theCommunity. This original PlazaMayor is typically square withtwo tiers of decorated porticoedgalleries supported by granitecolumns. The route of ToledanLa Mancha continues southeastthrough Villacañas, an industrialtown. The main attractions ofspecial ethnological interest arethe unusual undergrounddwellings called “silos”.
www.lamancha.net
Plaza Mayor in Tembleque, Toledo
13
A Tour through the Capital Cities and Provinces
ALBACETE
Al-Basit, an Arabic wordmeaning the plain, was only asmall village belonging toChinchilla. In 1241, it was takenby Christian troops and becamea part of the dominions ofAlarcón. In 1375, it received itsindependence, and in 1526,emperor Charles V grantedauthority and power over thetown to his wife, the EmpressIsabella of Portugal. Its goodlocation on the route betweenMadrid and Levant has enabledAlbacete to become a moderncapital, continually progressingsocially and economically.
The A-31 motorway connectsMadrid to Albacete. This two-lanehighway also continues on toAlicante and Valencia. The N-430 comes from CiudadReal. Another way to reach Albacete through the southern provinces is via the N-322.
The Cathedral of San JuanBautista (1) was begun in 1515and employed architects of thecaliber of Enrique Egas andDiego de Siloé. The numerousmodifications during pastcenturies have not eliminatedthe Gothic accents of its original
ground plan. The Cathedralstands on the Plaza Virgen delos Reyes on a base of elegantsteps. Other religious buildingsinclude the former 16th centuryMonastery of La Encarnación (2),now a cultural center, and theChurch of the PurísimaConcepción (3) with an 18th
century portal.
The busiest streets radiate outfrom the Plaza del Altozano. To one side is the Court of Justiceand to another, the formerTown Hall, now a museum ofpopular arts and customs.
Among works of civilarchitecture, of interest is thePosada del Rosario (4), presentsite of the local tourist office.The building is a blend of
Cathedral of San Juan Bautista
Plaza deToros
Tribunalde Justicia
Ayuntamiento
Calle
Iris
Calle del C
omandante M
olina
Calle del Carmen
Calle
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astr
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Calle
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CALLE DEL ROSARIOCalle de Bernabé Cantos
CALLE DEL ROSARIO
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Calle de Francisco Pizarro
C. Federico Ozanan
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Calle de Collado PiñaC. Pedro
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alle de Cristóbal
Calle D
C. Joaquín
Quijada
Calle de B
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Calle de Torres Quevedo
Calle de Pedro Coca
Calle de Ríos Rosas
Jardín
Parque
de
Abelardo Sánchez
de
Fátima
Cristóbal Lozano
de
ALBACETEALBACETE
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5
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3
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1 Cathedral of San Juan Bautista2 Monastery of La Encarnación3 Church of the Purísima Concepción4 Posada del Rosario5 Casa Perona6 Palacio de la Diputación Provincial7 Pasaje de Lodares8 Museum of Albacete
Tourist Informationi
Diputación Provincial
Gothic, Mudéjar andRenaissance styles. From morerecent periods, the only edificethat has been preserved is thebaroque Casa Perona (5). The Palacio de la DiputaciónProvincial (6) is the mostoutstanding edifice built duringthe 19th century. To one side ofthe street called Paseo de laLibertad, the traveler’s attentionis drawn to the neo-classicalfacade. In the interior, there is agood collection of 20th centuryart. The glass-roofed Pasaje deLodares (7), one of the mostemblematic places in the city, is an example of early 20th
century architecture. A view ofthis capital cannot concludewithout a visit to the Museumof Albacete (8), which housesprehistoric, Iberian and Romantreasures, including the famousarticulated dolls from theRoman necropolis of Ontur, theIbero-Roman head of El Tolmoand the sword of La Hoya.
The fairgrounds, popularly knowas “the frying pan” (la sartén)are connected to the city centerby the street called Calle Feria.To one side, is the Neo-Mudéjarstyle bullring (plaza de toros).
Almansa and Chinchilla
The N-430 will take the travelerto Chinchilla de Monte Aragón,set on a hill overlooking thespacious plains of La Mancha.Above the town looms a 15th
century castle. The medievallayout of the town is very well-preserved. The Moorish bathsas well as a good number ofmansions and houses bearingcoats of arms are noteworthy.Other buildings of architecturalinterest are the Ayuntamiento(Town Hall) in the Plaza Mayoremblazoned with the coat ofarms of Carlos III; the old jail ofLa Corredera and the Church ofSanta María del Salvador. On the street called Calle Peñuelastands the National Museum ofCeramics, an institution housingmore than one thousand piecesfrom all the different Spanishregions.
15
Posada del Rosario
Provincial Museum of Albacete(Museo Provincial)Parque Abelardo Sánchez* 967 22 83 07www.dipualba.es
The Moorish city of Almansahwas probably built upon theRoman settlement of Ad Aras. In the past, its privilegedgeographical location helped itbecome a town of the firstorder. It served as the gatewayand customhouse to La Manchaduring a large part of its history.Almansa’s chief attraction is themajestic Moorish castle built ona rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Just beyond the townlies the border of the region of Levant.
The area surrounding the castlehas been declared a historicartistic complex. In the oldquarter is the Palacio de losCondes de Cirat, also known asthe Casa Grande. The Church ofLa Asunción is anothermonument of interest.
North of Chinchilla and Almansais the white town of Alcalá delJúcar, one of the most
picturesque places in Albacete,nestled on a cliffside above theJúcar river. The fertile farmlandsprovide a lush greenbackground to this charminglittle town, crowned by aMoorish castle and the Churchof San Andrés.
The Sierras of Alcarazand Segura
The Sierras of Alcaraz andSegura form a natural landscape fracturing theextensive plains of La Mancha.These are frontier lands whichpreserve important traces oftheir intense history. The valleyof the Mundo river is without a doubt one of the greatestnatural attractions in theAutonomous Community. The source of the Mundo river, a tributary of the Segura, emerges spectacularly from a
Castle of Almansa
Town Hall of Chinchilla
16
cave cascading down more than100 meters below. Inside theCave of Los Chorros (Cueva delos Chorros), there are morethan 24 kilometers of galleries.Not very far from this impressivenatural wonder is Riópar, amedieval town nestled amongthe pine trees.
The head of the region isAlcaraz, where the naturalbeauty of its surroundings canbe added to its own richhistorical and artistic heritage.The twin towers called Trinidad and Tardón or Relojon the Plaza Mayor have become the main identifyingsymbols, but not the only ones.The 15th century Gothic parishChurch of the Santísma Trinidadpreserves important works ofart, in addition to an artisticportal and a Renaissancecloister.
Elche de la Sierra is anothertown on the route in the Seguraregion and can be reached bytaking a winding regional road.The town center features theChurch of Santa Quiteria. West of the Fuensanta reservoir lies Yeste, crowned by a Moorishcastle. In the old quarter standsthe Church of La Asunción.Ayna is another interesting
municipality in the Sierra deSegura in Albacete province.The town hovers precariously on a cliffside overlooking theMundo river.
Twin Towers of Trinidad and Tardón in Alcaraz
Sierra of Alcaraz,
Source of the Mundo River, Albacete
17
CIUDAD REAL
King Alfonso X “the Wise”founded “Villa Real” in the year1255 as an outpost of the crownin an attempt to check theimmense power held by themilitary orders in the province. It was not until 1420 that itacquired its present name,literally “Royal City”, after kingJuan II, father of Isabella I,granted it the title of city.During the reign of the Catholicmonarchs, Ciudad Real acquiredits maximum significance.
Two national highways head inthe direction of Ciudad Realfrom the Autovía de Andalucía,the N-420 which connectsPuerto Lápice with the provincecapital and the N-430, whichruns through Manzanares. West of Ciudad Real, this same road continues on to Badajoz in Extremadura. The N-401connects Ciudad Real withToledo and Madrid.
Unfortunately, many of thetraces of the city’s medieval pasthave disappeared. All thatremains of the eight gates ofthe old walls encircling the oldquarter is the Puerta de Toledo (1),built during the reign of Alfonso XI. Three churches helpprovide a glance at the city’sartistic heritage. The Church ofSantiago (2) is considered theoldest in the capital. It was builtat the end of the 13th century in the early Gothic style. The interior is simple butelegant with a central nave andtwo aisles. More ornate is theHoly Prioral Church of theMilitary Orders devoted toSanta María del Prado (3), aCathedral since 1875. Six centuries were needed for itsconstruction. The foundation isfrom the 13th century and thelast additions from the 19th
century. The tower crowning the cathedral was finished inthis last period. In the interior,of special interest is the baroquealtarpiece and the 18th centurywalnut choir stalls.
The Church of San Pedro (4),located near the Plaza Mayor, is one of the most notablemonuments in Ciudad Real. Thislate 14th century Gothic churchhas a fortress-like appearance.
Other religious buildings inCiudad Real are the ParishChurch of La Merced (5) and the
Church of Santiago
18
ParroquiaS. Juan
Plaza de Toros
Ayuntamiento
C. B
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Calle
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Callede la
Zarza
Calle
dela
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Calle
delos
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Callede
Azuzena
Calle del C
armen
Albacete
C. C
olón
Calle
de
Pedrera
Alta
Fray María
Pl. delCarmen
Calle
de
Pedrera
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Calle del P
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Calle
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Calle
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CIUDAD REALCIUDAD REAL
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4
5
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1 Puerta de Toledo Tourist Information2 Church of Santiago3 Cathedral of Santa María del Prado4 Church of San Pedro5 Parish Church of La Merced6 Convent of La Merced7 Convent of the Carmelitas and Franciscanas8 Palacio Medrano9 Provincial Museum
10 Diocesan Museum11 Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Alarcos
i
Plaza Mayor
20
Convents of La Merced (6) and theCarmelitas and Franciscanas (7). A tour through Ciudad Real isnot complete without seeingthe old Palacio Medrano (8),which preserves a lovelyRenaissance doorway, now thesite of the Rectorate of theUniversity. The ProvincialMuseum (9) houses objects fromthe principal archeological sitesin the province from the LowerPaleolithic to the Middle Ages.Among its treasures is the doorto the old Jewish synagogue.The room with paintings byAntonio López and GregorioPrieto is of particular interest.The Diocesan Museum (10) islocated in the former Bishop’sPalace. Last of all, the Sanctuaryof Nuestra Señora de Alarcos (11),eight kilometers from thecapital on the Piedrabuenaroad, was the scene of one ofthe most decisive battles duringthe Christian Reconquest ofSpain. This important Iberian-Medieval site has been declaredan archeological park.
Provincial Museum of Ciudad Real(Museo Provincial)Prado, 4* 926 22 68 96
www.dipucr.es
Puerta de Toledo in Ciudad Real
Campo de Calatrava
Land of brave knights andcradle of legendary battles,Campo de Calatrava, in thesouthern part of Ciudad Realprovince, was a frontier with the Muslim world for a longtime. The center of the region is Almagro. One of the mostnotable main squares (PlazaMayor) in Castilla-La Manchacan be admired here. Within the square, the picturesquetheater-courtyard of the Corralde Comedias, declared aNational Monument, is a must-see attraction. Also noteworthyis the Church of San Bartoloméand the Convent of La Asunción.Today, the city of Almagro is the epicenter of the theater inCastilla-La Mancha and is thesite of the National TheaterMuseum which exhibitspaintings, librettos, costumesand models from the period.The former Convent of San
Francisco, near the Palacio de losMarqueses de Torremejía, wasremodeled and converted into a Parador de Turismo hotel.
The nearby town of Calzada deCalatrava is presided over by the remains of the castle ofSalvatierra, perched imposinglyon a hilltop. Another strongholdis the castle of Calatrava de laNueva, built in 1217. The Churchof Nuestra Señora de laAsunción and the Hospedería de los Caballeros are othersights to see in this historic town to the south of Almagro.
El Viso del Marqués is the thirdmost important town in thisregion. Here we find the Palaciode Don Alvaro de Bazán,presently the site of theHistorical Archives of theSpanish Navy. The two-storymansion is decorated withfrescoes painted by Italianartists. In the nearby village of Las Virtudes, there is anunusual square-shaped bulling (plaza de toros)dating from the 17th century.
Almuradiel forms part of thecolony of “New Towns”founded by Carlos III during the mid-eighteenth century. In its straight and orderly towncenter, we find the Church of the Inmaculada Concepciónand the communal granarybuilding called the “Pósito”.
In the neighboring mountainsand valleys of Alcudia lie twoimportant industrial cities. First is Puertollano, with amodern urban center. On thePaseo de San Gregorio is theFuente Agria, a fountain of iron-rich water dating back tothe period of Felipe II. Second isAlmadén, not far from theborders of the provinces ofBadajoz and Córdoba. Aspectsof its past as a mining town arestill visible throughout thetown. Almadén boasts some ofthe most notable Spanishindustrial architecture from the19th century.
Plaza Mayor in Almagro
21
National Theater Museum(Museo Nacional de Teatro)Callejón del Villar, 4Almagro* 926 88 22 44
Campo de Montiel
Campo de Montiel is a vast areaextending over the provinces of Ciudad Real and Albacete.Montiel, former capital ofCampo de Montiel, preservesthe remains of the 9th centuryCastillo de la Estrella (Starcastle), as well as buildings such as the Sanctuary of theSantísimo Cristo de la Expiraciónand the Church of SanSebastián. East of the naturepark of the Lagunas de Ruidera,the traveler encounters Ossa deMontiel with its parish Churchof Santa María Magdalena.
To the south lies Villanueva delos Infantes, dating from theRoman period. The townpreserves one of the mostoutstanding collection ofmonuments in La Mancha.Adorning the Plaza Mayor is theChurch of San Andrés. One ofthe interior chapels of thechurch contains the tomb of thegreat Spanish poet Francisco de
Quevedo. Other importantsights include the Hospital delRemedio, the Casa del Arco, theChurch of the Convent of SantoDomingo, the Convent of theDominicas de la Encarnaciónand the Church-Convent of theFranciscan Nuns. Attractive oldhomes and mansions abound.
Villamanrique is found near thetown Torre de Juan Abad. It isbathed by the waters of theGuadalén river. The Church ofSan Andrés, with Gothic tracesand Renaissance accents, can beadmired in the town center.
Ruidera Lagoons
Church of San Andrés in Villanueva de los Infantes
CUENCA
Cuenca was known during theArab occupation as al Kunka. In September 1177, Alfonso VIIIsubdued the city for theChristians. Five years later itbecame a Bishop’s see. Duringthe last half of the 13th centuryit received the title of city fromAlfonso X “the Wise”, andduring the lower Middle Ages,it lived its years of maximumsplendor.
Cuenca can be reached by the N-400 road from Tarancón, atown situated along the N-III.The N-320 connects Cuenca withthe cities of Guadalajara andAlbacete. The N-420 leads toTeruel in lower Aragón.
Declared a World Heritage Siteby the UNESCO, the city ofCuenca is dramatically setbetween two gorges carved bythe Júcar and Huécar rivers. The city’s chief symbols are thefamous Hanging Houses (CasasColgadas) (1). Originally civilbaroque architecture from the18th century, they were restoredat the beginning of the 20th
century. First built as a palaceand later used as the Town Hall,they are now property of thecity. Today they house theMuseum of Spanish Abstract Artwhich displays a magnificentcollection of Spanishcontemporary painting and
sculpture. Owned by the JuanMarch Foundation, thepermanent collection includesworks by Chillida, Miralles,Tápies and Zóbel, among others.Installed in the Casa del Curato (2)is the Provincial Museum, withinteresting Gothic remains.Nearby stands the Gothic Churchof San Pedro (3). The baroquehas also left its imprint inCuenca with the Church of SanFelipe Neri (4), the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias (5) and the Church of El Salvador (6), the mainparish church in the 19th century.Several interesting altarpiecesare to be found in the interior.
Just strolling around the historicold quarter is the best way toenjoy the city. The myriad of
Torre Mangana
Cathedral
23
Parroquiade San Antón
Palacio deJusticia
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Hanging Houses
1 Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas).Museum of Spanish Abstract Art
2 Casa del Curato. Provincial Museum
3 Church of San Pedro4 Church of San Felipe Neri5 Hermitage of Nuestra Señora
de las Angustias6 Church of El Salvador7 Church of San Miguel8 Torre Mangana9 Cathedral
10 Bishop´s Palace11 Diocesan Museum12 Convent of San Pablo
Tourist Informationi
monuments deserve the visitor’sunhurried attention. Among the attractions, the conventsand churches are interesting,especially the Church of SanMiguel (7), a harmonious blendof different styles, includingRomanesque, Gothic andRenaissance. The Torre Mangana (8) is another artisticsymbol of the city, forming partof the old Moorish fortress. One of the great historic treasures of Cuenca is its Cathedral (9)devoted to Nuestra Señora deGracia, situated on one side ofthe Plaza Mayor. Constructionwas begun at the end of the12th century, continuing withthe first stages of the Gothic.The Gothic style can beespecially admired in theinterior. The last additions werenot finished until the beginningof the 20th century. Thecathedral’s ground plan was a Latin cross with a nave and an aisle on either side except in the transept, where there is a single nave. In 1902, the Giraldo tower collapsed affecting themain facade and led to theconstruction of the presentneo-Gothic one.
Adjacent to the Cathedral are theBishop’s Palace (10) and DiocesanMuseum (11) displaying treasuresof religious art.
Opposite the Cathedral, lookingover the Huécar river, is the
Convent of San Pablo (12), nowa Parador de Turismo hotel. It can be reached by a roadheading out from the modernquarter of the city, beyond thefertile banks of the river. There is also an iron footbridgespanning the gorge betweenthe high part of the old quarter,descending from the HangingHouses and leading to theConvent-Parador. The footbridge affords a lovely view of Cuenca.
Church of San Miguel
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Museum of Spanish Abstract Art(Museo de Arte Abstracto Español)Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas)* 969 21 29 83
Diocesan Museum(Museo Diocesano Catedralicio)Obispo Valero * 969 21 20 11
Provincial Museum (MuseoProvincial). Obispo Valero, 6 * 969 21 30 69www.cuenca.org
The Lands of Beteta
In northern Cuenca province,embracing the route of theAlto Tajo, extends a ruralregion, bordered by theGuadiela river. These are theLands of Beteta. Valleyscarpeted with dense layers ofpine trees, deep gorges andspacious plateaus accompanythe visit. The town of Betetalies at the foot of the ruins ofthe Moorish Rochafrida castle.Formerly Vetera, the town cantrace its origins back to theRoman period. Some remainsof the ancient walls and gatesare still preserved in thetown center.
Heading south, the travelerencounters the Hoz de Beteta, a narrow gorge carved out oflimestone rocks through whichthe Guadiela river runs. An exceptionally beautiful spotwith a series of cascades is the
source of the Cuervo river(nacimiento del Cuervo), withinthe township of Vega delCodorno. The Health Spa(Balneario) Solán de Cabras isnoted for its mineral andmedicinal waters and hasbecome the ideal starting pointfor visiting the lookouts calledthe “Rey” (King) and “Reina”(Queen). Beyond Beteta gorge is a route through lovely valleysleading to the towns ofCañizares, set on the slope of asmall hill; Fuertescusa, with aninteresting 18th century church;Cañamares, principal producerof wicker in the region; andPriego, a town of Roman origin superbly situated abovethe Escabas, a trout river par-excellence.
Near Cañaveruelas, on thebanks of the Buendía reservoirbounded by La Alcarria ofGuadalajara, we find the Romanruins of Ercávica. At one time itwas a Roman city importantenough to have a mint. Today itis an archeological parkdisplaying a small part of itsformer splendor.
To the southeast, a fewkilometers from Uña, is CiudadEncantada, literally “EnchantedCity”, an unusual geologicalphenomenon. It is not a city atall but a group of rockformations which have beensculpted into whimsical shapes
Priego
26
through years of erosion by thewind and water on thelimestone rocks. The rocks havetaken on surprising shapes, somuch so that they have acquiredtheir own special names: “Sea of Stone,” “RomanBridge”, “Elephant Fighting aCrocodile”, the “Tortoise”, “The Bears” and “High Boulder”.
Uña Lagoon
Uclés and Alarcón
The knightly Order of Santiagoin La Mancha chose Uclés as itsheadquarters. From the firstdecades of the 12th century, itplayed a fundamental role inthe battles of the ChristianReconquest of Spain. Threecenturies later, the constructionof a monastery was begun,nicknamed “El Escorial of La Mancha”. (El Escorial is themassive monastery built byFelipe II in the outskirts ofMadrid.) The monastery in Uclés is built around a beautifultwo-story square courtyard. On the main facade, attentionshould focus on theChurrigeresque-style portal with a sculpture of the ApostleSt. James. (Churrigueresque wasthe name given to an extremelyornate style of baroquearchitecture named after itsoriginator, José Churriguera.)The church was built on at thenorthern wing. Two towersflank the entrance leading to a
Roman Theater in Segóbriga
single nave. The chapels are of particular interest.
The archeological park ofSegóbriga recalls theimportance the Romansettlement formerly enjoyed.Today, its Roman ruins are thesetting of theater performancesin spring and summer. Thetheater had a capacity of twothousand spectators, while theamphitheater held double thisamount. Remains are also
preserved of the ancientthermal baths and circus.Another Roman city was Valeria,which still preserves part of anaqueduct and some streets andsquares of the forum.
At the geographical limits of La Mancha in Cuenca province liesthe historical town of Alarcón,set between deep gorges of theJúcar river. Its castle, witness toimportant historical eventsduring the period of theChristian Reconquest, has beenconverted into a Parador deTurismo hotel. Adorning thePlaza Mayor, dedicated to thememory of prince Don JuanManual, are the Church of SanJuan Bautista and the Town Hall(Ayuntamiento).
Monastery of Uclés
Castle of Alarcón Roman city of Valeria
GUADALAJARA
The primitive Roman settlementof Arriaca became known asWad-al-Hayara or “river ofstones” during the Araboccupation. Alfonso VII grantedit special rights and privileges in 1133, which were laterexpanded by Fernando III andAlfonso X. The city acquired itsmaximum splendor during the15th and 16th centuries. At that time, king Juan IIgranted authority over the city to the Marquis of Santillana, Íñigo López de Mendoza.
Guadalajara sits right off the N-II road, known as the Autovíade Aragón. The N-320 connectsthe capital to Cuenca via thelower Alcarria and the Buendíareservoir. The N-320 linksGuadalajara with northernMadrid by the N-I.
The Palacio de Don Antonio deMendoza (1) is now a teachinginstitution. Of interest in theinterior is the courtyard, one ofthe most notable examples ofthe Plateresque style in theCommunity. (Plateresque is anornate form of Renaissancearchitecture in Spain.) The Chapel of La Piedad (2) and the Churches of San Ginés (3) and Los Remedios (4) are some good examples of religiousarchitecture in the city. The Palacio del Infantado (5),
restored after it was severelydamaged during the SpanishCivil War, presently houses theMuseum, Provincial Archives and Public Library. This splendidpalace is the most emblematicbuilding in Guadalajara. It wascommissioned by Íñigo López de Mendoza and designed bythe architect Juan Guas. Its unusual Renaissance facadecontrasts with the interior patio,also called the Lion’s courtyardbecause of the fanciful animalssculpted in stone.
Other important monumentsare the Gothic-Mudéjar styleParish Church of Santiago (6),the Church of La Piedad (7) witha Plateresque portal, and theCathedral of Santa María laMayor (8), built in the Mudéjarstyle and reformed in the 17th
century. The entranceway isadorned by elegant columns.Inside, the high altar is profuselydecorated. Guadalajara also hasother religious monuments, such
Guadalajara's Town Hall
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1 Palacio de don Antonio de Mendoza Tourist Information2 Chapel of La Piedad3 Church of San Ginés 4 Church of Los Remedios5 Palacio del Infantado6 Church of Santiago7 Church of La Piedad8 Cathedral of Santa María la Mayor9 Chapel of Luis Lucena
10 Church of San Nicolás el Real
i
Palacio del Infantado
as the Mudéjar-style Chapel ofLuis Lucena (9), and the baroqueJesuit Church of San Nicolás elReal (10). Also meriting a visit isthe Fuerte de San Francisco, amodernist-style building,formerly the military EquestrianSociety of Engineers, and theProvincial Museum whichhouses collections from therequisitions resulting from thesecularization of Churchproperty by Mendizábal.
To one side of San Roque parkstands the pantheon of theDuchess of Sevillano, built in1887. The ground plan is in theshape of a Greek cross crownedby a dome and cross. Theinterior is somewhat austere.
Church of San Nicolás in Guadalajara
La Alcarria
Numerous Spanish writers havefound their inspiration in La Alcarria. The region’ssingularity is illustrated by thecharming villages which form it,by its rich artistic legacy and the dense architectural heritage. La Alcarria is a land of contrasts,high spacious plains, extensivecountryside carpeted by fertilefarmlands, slender valleys andsteep slopes.
In the past, Torija was animportant strategic site as thenatural passageway from thesub-meseta to Aragón. Its medieval castle houses theethnographic museum devotedto La Alcarria. On display insideare various editions of the bookJourney to La Alcarria (Viaje a la Alcarria) by the Spanish Nobel prizewinner in literature, Camilo José Cela.
Situated in the valley of Tajuñais Brihuega, in the heart of La Alcarria. The old fortified town is a maze of narrow streets. In the outskirts is the historicalRoyal Cloth Factory (Real Fábricade Paños). Chronicles affirm thatking Alfonso VI began the
Castle of Torija
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Provincial Museum of Guadalajara(Museo Provincial)Palacio del InfantadoPlaza de los Caídos* 949 21 33 01
www.guadalajara.interactiva.org
Reconquest of Guadalajara,Madrid, Talavera and Toledo here.
Not far from Trijueque is thetown of Hita, home of JuanRuiz, the Archpriest and authorof the Book of Good Love (Librodel Buen Amor). The mostnotable feature in Hita is itsporticoed Plaza Mayor.
The main square of Cogolludois presided over by the splendidPalacio Ducal. The facade of the palace is rusticated ashlarmasonry with six large profuselydecorated windows on theupper story. Blazoned over theentranceway is the duke’s coatof arms. The most importantchurch in Cogolludo is SantaMaría, Gothic in style withdiaphanous interior aisles.
Jadraque is set on one side ofthe Henares valley. The mostnotable feature in the village isthe castle which stands on apronounced hill. At the foot ofthe hill, the village unfolds. In the medieval quarter, theChurch of San Juan Bautista can be admired.
Cifuentes, located between thevalleys of the Tajo and Tajuñarivers, acts as the head of theregion of La Alcarria. A castlerises on one of the two hillsenclosing the hamlet. Cifuentes take its name from thenumerous springs in the vicinity.The handsome Plaza Mayormerits a leisurely visit.
The town of Pastrana boasts aPalacio Ducal, its mostrepresentative monument. This grand 16th century palace is flanked by two large towers. It was formerly the residence of the princess of Éboli, adistinguished figure at the court of Felipe II. Standing onthe square is the Town Hall(Ayuntamiento) and theCollegiate Church of NuestraSeñora de la Asunción whichhouses an important museum of paintings and sculptures.
Royal Cloth Factory in Brihuega
View of Pastrana
Museo de la Alcarria(La Alcarria Museum)Castillo de Torija * 949 88 75 00
32
La Serranía (Sigüenza and Atienza)
Northwest of Guadalajara, nearthe valley of the Henares river,two towns stand out, Sigüenzaand Atienza. During theVisigothic period, Sigüenzabecame the see of a bishop.Over one hundred bishops havepassed through there since then.The town’s abundant patrimonywas declared a historic-artisticcomplex in 1965.
Sigüenza has a perfectlypreserved old quarter withnumerous traces of itsinteresting medieval past. The city is overlooked by a 12th
century medieval castle (now aParador de Turismo hotel). The Cathedral is another of thesingular monuments. Begun in1130 by French stonemasons inthe Romanesque style, it wascontinued afterwards alongGothic lines. One of its chapelscontains the lovely sculptedfigure known as the “Doncel”(squire to Isabella, the Catholic).The Renaissance Plaza Mayor
preserves the Casas de losCanónigos with a row ofbalconies and galleries; theTown Hall (Ayuntamiento) andthe gate called Puerta del Toril.The Romanesque Church of San Vicente, the 13th centuryCistercian Parish Church ofSantiago with a Romanesquedoorway and the Casa delDoncel, a mansion with a Gothicfacade, also deserve the visitor’sattention.
Atienza acts as head of thehighland region. A rich medievalhistory and monumental legacycan be admired here.
Castle of Atienza
Sigüenza's Cathedral
33
Its privileged location madeAtienza an important strategicsite in the past and marked thedividing line between the twoCastiles. The castle, “peña muyfuerte”, mentioned in El Cantardel Mío Cid (The Poem of ElCid), overshadows the city. Also of interest are the Church of Santa María del Rey, theRomanesque Churches of ElSalvador and San Gil. This latterchurch houses the Museum ofReligious Art, with paintings,sculpture and gold and silverworks from the town’s oldchurches. The Plaza del Trigo isconsidered one of the loveliestin Castile.
In the northern part of theprovince lies Tierra de Ayllón, a wild mountainous area wherevillages devoted to agricultureand livestock have prospered.Close to the borders of Segoviaand Soria provinces, the town of Cantalojas is one of theentranceways to the nature park called Parque Natural delHayedo de Tejera Negra. To the
south lies the village ofMajaelrayo, beginning of theroute of Black Architecture,featuring rural hamletsconstructed with dark-coloredslate.
Off the main track of theseitineraries, on the other side ofthe province of Guadalajara inthe eastern portion, thepicturesque town of Molina de Aragón can be found. The town is crowned by animpressive medieval castleand a solid circuit of walls. On the highest part of the hillstands the Torre de Aragón, adefensive tower which providesa good view of the surroundingcountryside. Religious buildingsinclude the Church of SanMartín, situated next to thePalacio del Virrey de Manila.
Black slate architecture in Majaelrayo
34
Cathedral Museum(Museo Catedralicio)Cathedral of Sigüenza* 949 39 05 48
TOLEDO
Toledo is Castilla-La Mancha’smonumental jewel and one ofSpain’s greatest artistictreasures. The UNESCO hasdeservedly declared it a WorldHeritage Site. Hemmed in by thegorge of the Tajo river, the oldquarter encapsulates most ofthe historic sights in the city. A wealth of architecturalstructures evokes the city’s Arablegacy, as well as Renaissance,Mudéjar and Gothicachievements. In fact, the city ofthe “three cultures” (Christian,Islamic, Hebrew), as it washistorically called, receivedduring many centuries the titleof imperial capital.
Toledo can be reached via the N-401 road originating inMadrid and continuing on toCiudad Real. The N-400 comesout of Aranjuez, and the N-403connects with the Autovía N-V.
The circuit of walls around thecity already existed during theRoman period, but the Arabscompleted their present design,
characterized by a multitude ofentrance gates. Of specialinterest are the Puerta deAlfonso VI (1), of Arab originand the Puerta de Bisagra (2).This latter gate served as themain entranceway to the city formany years. Two massive roundtowers flank the entrance andabove the arch, a superb coat ofarms of emperor Charles V canbe admired. Other importantgates include the Puerta deAlcántara (3) and the Puerta deCambrón (4). The defensivecharacter of the city is displayedin the bridge of Alcántara (4),built by the Romans, and in thebridge of San Martín (6). These entranceways lead to steep narrow streets that wind up at busy squares like the Plaza de Zocodover.
Nearby stands the Museum ofSanta Cruz. The Renaissancebuilding was commissioned byCardinal Pedro González deMendoza for a hospital. Today it
Puerta de Bisagra
Bridge of Alcántara
35
Palacio de la Cava
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1 Puerta de Alfonso VI2 Puerta de Bisagra3 Puerta de Alcántara4 Puerta del Cambrón5 Bridge of Alcántara6 Bridge of San Martín7 Mosque of Cristo de la Luz8 Church of Santiago del Arrabal9 Church of Cristo de la Vega
10 Church of San Vicente11 Church of Santo Tomé12 Church of San Román13 Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca
14 El Tránsito Synagogue. Sephardic Museum
15 House-Museum of Victorio Macho16 Cathedral Primate17 Puerta Nueva de Bisagra18 Church of San Ildefonso19 Palacio de Lorenzana20 Alcázar21 House-Museum of El Greco22 Museum of
Contemporary Art
Tourist Informationi
Alcázar
is considered one of the mostimportant provincial museumsin Spain. Of particular interestare the collections of paintingsby the masters of the 15th
through 17th centuries,especially the El Grecocollection.
The Mezquita del Cristo de laLuz (7), built before theChristian Reconquest, is a replicaof Córdoba’s famous mosque.Also important are the Mudéjarchurches of Santiago del Arrabal(8), near the Puerta de Bisagra.According to chroniclers, it wasfounded in the 11th century asan Arab mosque. From thatperiod, a free-standing towerremains, an old minaret fromthe 12th century, now a belltower. Other notable churchesare the ones devoted to Cristo dela Vega (9) and San Vicente (10).In the small Church of SantoTomé (11), El Greco’smasterpiece The Burial of theCount of Orgaz is displayed.
The Church of San Román (12)houses the Museum of theCouncils and Visigothic Culture.
The cultural diversity thatcoexisted in Toledo is attestedby the synagogues, such asSanta María la Blanca (13), the oldest one, inspired by theart of the “Almohades” fromthe Maghreb. El Tránsito Synagogue (14) houses the Sephardic Museum. In theinterior, the Great Prayer Roomshould be visited to admire itsfine coffered ceiling and wallsdecorated with plaster tracery.The synagogue is next to the
Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca
Church of Cristo de la Vega
37
House-Museum of VictorioMacho (15), a sculptor whoworked in Toledo followingrealist trends prevalent beforethe Spanish Civil War. Nearby, atthe edge of the Jewish quarter,is the Monastery of San Juan delos Reyes, a monument in whichthe Gothic style was used in allits forms and possibilities.
The Cathedral Primate (16) ofSpain is an extraordinarymonument displaying greatoriginality in its construction.First, it was a Visigothic temple
and later, a great mosque.Throughout the centuries, it wasconsecrated as the Church ofSanta María until it became acathedral. The temple isenriched by a variety ofdifferent styles, although theGothic predominates on thefacade as well as in the interiorwith its central nave and doubleaisles on each side. It hastwenty-two chapels and housesa rich collection of sculpturesand paintings by El Greco, LucasJordán, Juan de Borgoña, VanDyck, Tristán and Goya. Facingthe Cathedral stand the Bishop’sPalace and the Town Hall.
From Toledo’s vast artisticheritage, examples ofRenaissance architecture are tobe admired, such as the gatecalled Puerta Nueva de Bisagra (17). Pertaining to theBaroque are the Church of SanIldefonso (18) and the Palaciode Lorenzana (19), seat of theUniversity. The Alcázar (20)stands on the highest point ofthe city. This citadel houses theMilitary Museum and the secondlargest public library in Spain,after Madrid’s National Library.
Church of Santo Tomé
Toledo's Cathedral
The House-Museum of El Greco (21) contains an arrayof paintings and memorabilia of the great artist whoimmortalized the city of Toledoin his art. Another interestingplace to visit is the Museum ofContemporary Art (22) withworks by Spanish paintersincluding Antonio López,Alberto Sánchez, Arredondoand Benjamín Palencia.
On the opposite bank of theTajo, which the Toledanspopularly call the valley, thereare paths leading to lookoutpoints with beautiful views ofthe city. This area is scatteredwith “cigarrales”, a name given to the country homes inthis area.
Castle of Consuegra
The Castle Route
Few provinces in Spain can boastas many castles and fortresses asToledo. Towns displayingvestiges of the invasions, battlesand conquests that took place in these Castilian lands arenumerous. There is even atourist route to the strongholdsof Toledo located primarily inthe southern part of theprovince. Many of the castleswere built by Arab legions aswatch posts during the Christian raids, such as the onein Almonacid de Toledo. In the11th century, this castleunderwent a series of reformsgiving it a fortress-likeappearance with its barbicanand keep. The castle inMascaraque was also builtduring the period of Arabdomination. In Mora de Toledo,the castle received the name of“Peñas Negras” and was givenby Alfonso VIII to the knightlyOrder of Santiago in 1175. The stronghold at Manzaneque,
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Museum of the Cathedral Treasury(Museo del Tesoro Catedralicio)Arco de Palacio, 2 * 925 22 22 41
Contemporary Art Museum(Museo de Arte Contemporáneo)Bulas * 925 22 78 71
Church of Santo ToméPlaza del Conde * 925 25 60 98Synagogue of Santa María la BlancaReyes Católicos, 4 * 925 22 72 57
www.toledo.org
built in the 15th century by Íñigo de Arévalo, has resistedwell the passage of time. Other illustrious fortressesinclude the one in Consuegra,pertaining to the first years of the Christian Reconquest.Given during the reign ofAlfonso VIII to a brotherhood,founders of the Gran Prioratode la Mancha, this castle has adouble circuit of walls andvarious large towers. Also of
interest is the castle in LosYébenes, as well as the ones inOrgaz and Sonseca, both builtin the 12th century. In Maqueda,the castle is located on theoutskirts of the urban center.The moat, square ground planand five round towers are themost interesting features.
Castle of Maqueda
Castle of Orgaz
Talavera de la Reina andOropesa
Talavera de la Reina, famous forits pottery, is the largest city inthe province of Toledo. During the Roman period, ittook the name of Caesaerobrigaand later, the Visigoths called itEbora. It has always been a richagricultural and livestock center,and its traditional livestock fairsattest to this fact. The mostoutstanding monuments are thebridge of Santa Catalina, alsoknown as the old or Romanbridge, and the Bishop’s Palace(Palacio Arzobispal), built in the 17th century in the baroquestyle and located on the Plazadel Plan, nerve center of thecity. Also worth visiting are theCollegiate Church of SantaMaría la Mayor, from the late12th century; the ColegioCervantes with a Renaissanceportal, and the Mudéjar Church of Santiago, with Gothic influences.
Finally, Oropesa is another ofthe illustrious towns in Toledoprovince. In the 15th century, itbecame a countship by a grantfrom the Catholic Monarchs. The old quarter is an irregularpattern of streets on whichvarious religious and civilbuildings can be seen, includingthe 12th century castle, now a Parador de Turismo hotel. Also meriting visits are theParish Church of La Asunción,the Jesuit Church of SanBernardo and the Colegio de los Jesuitas.
Roman bridge in Talavera de la Reina
Castle of Oropesa
Fairs and Festivals
Many are the traditional fairsand festivals held throughoutCastilla-La Mancha, but none isas solemn as Corpus Christi inToledo, declared ofInternational Tourist Interest.One of the most famousprocessions in Spain passesthrough ancient streets and bybalconies adorned with cloaksof flowers, tapestries woven inthyme and rosemary andhanging lanterns. The coveredexterior walls of Toledo’sCathedral present a lovelybackground. The night beforethe procession, the route isinaugurated by the localauthorities. The Grand Week of Corpus is celebrated inconnection with this festivalwith intense participation by thetownspeople of Toledo. CorpusChristi is also held in Guadalajara,where the Brotherhood of the
Apostles dresses up to portraythe Apostles and Jesus and take part in the procession. Alsointeresting are the Corpusfestivals in Valverde de losArroyos in Guadalajaraprovince, where they organizethe Octava del Corpus withancient dances like the Paloteo,the Cintas and the Perucha.
Other celebrations ofInternational Tourist Interest inthe Community of Castilla-LaMancha are “Semana Santa”(Holy Week) and the Week ofReligious Music of Cuenca heldduring or around Easter. Duringseveral days, medieval Cuencaprovides the background for asolemn procession which startsout at the main churches.The streets are taken over by theturbas, groups of penitents withdrums and trumpets who walkbackwards reciting the words of Jesus on his way to the Cross.
Corral de Comedias in Almagro
LEISURE AND EVENTS
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Classical music groups from all over Europe converge inCuenca during the Week ofReligious Music.
Holy Week is also observedbrilliantly in Toledo withcolorful penitent stations, aswell as in the towns of Hellínand Tobarra in Albaceteprovince, famous for theirtamborradas (as many as 5,000drummers play continuously for over 100 hours). Bothfestivals have been declared of National Tourist Interest.
The origin of the centuries-oldfestival of La Caballada inAtienza can be attributed toking Alfonso VIII. The “romería”(celebration held near a shrine)takes place at the Hermitage ofthe Estrella on Whitsunday. In Hita, each July, theycommemorate the works of the great author and poet Juan Ruiz, the Archpriest. The Medieval Festival isreminiscent of the minstrelambience the town probablyenjoyed during the 11th century.
In Almonacid del Marquesado,near the Roman ruins ofSegóbriga in Cuenca province,the first days of February arewitness to the popular La Endiablada (Festival of theBewitched) where religiouselements mix with merrymakingand feasting.
Carnaval, a form of Mardi Gras,is enthusiastically celebratedthroughout the region. InAlbacete, the festivities areparticularly original. TheThursday before Lent is thefamous Jueves Lardero, wheretradition dictates the festivitiesinclude a picnic to the country.Other famous “Carnavales”include those in Herencia andMiguelturra. In Alcázar de SanJuan, “Carnaval” is held inDecember instead of February.
The traditional Mayos arecelebrated in a good part of LaMancha, in particular the Cuencantowns of Las Majadas andBelinchón. A popular “romería”in the springtime is the oneorganized every year in Toledo inhonor of the Virgen del Valle.
Especially noteworthy in CiudadReal is “La Pandorga” whichtakes place on July 31st. The festival has been declared of regional tourist interest and is celebrated in honor of thepatroness, the “Virgen del Prado”.
Medieval Festival in Hita
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During the last weekend inOctober, the Toledan town ofConsuegra holds the “Rosa delAzafrán” festival. Among thefolkloric events, there arecontests in which the experthands of the local womenseparate the stigmas from theflower of the saffron plant.
In Almagro, theater lovers ofthe comic and dramatic genreshave an annual engagement at the International ClassicalTheater Festival. The date isbetween the second and thirdweek of July.
Cuisine
The cuisine is anothertemptation the visitor will findin Castilla-La Mancha. The diversity of the land allowsthe visitor to relish the deliciousmeats, as well as the tasty troutor crab from the abundant riversin the region. In Albacete, thetasty gazpacho made with acrunchy flatbread has meritedfame. Other dishes aremountain rabbit and hare;“migas” (fried breadcrumbs)and “gachas” (a kind of hastypudding). In Guadalajara, lamband kid are savored; fine troutand crab, without forgetting the“morteruelo serrano”, a type ofpaté of blended meats to spreadon toasted bread. Honey fromLa Alcarria appears in a good
many of the desserts andancient recipes.
In Cuenca, the dish par-excellence is the “morteruelo”,a different paté from the one in Guadalajara, made withground pork liver, game (hare,rabbit or partridge), hen,Serrano ham, lard, nuts and avariety of spices (cinnamon,clove, caraway seed, pepper andpaprika). No less tempting to the palate are the “ajoarriero”(salted cod and potatoes) and“atascaburras”, a puree made with salted cod, garlic and potato.
The gastronomy in Toledo doesnot differ essentially. The greatSpanish author Lope de Vegapraised it highly in his La NocheToledana. Alexander Dumas alsowrote that Toledo was theSpanish city where he had eatenthe best. In fact, Toledo is aprovince rich in game, andconsequently, the most well-known dishes are the Toledo-style partridge, marinated boar,
Local Cuisine
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pickled trout and “cuchifrito”(crunchy fried pieces of sucklingpig). Toledo is also famous forits sweets. Prize-winningmarzipan and “turron” (nougat)from Sonseca, “melindres”(lady-finger biscuits) from Yepes,“yemas” (small egg-yolk cakes)from Illescas, “Delicias de Mora”and “Dulcineas” from El Tobosoare some of the most appetizingsweet treats.
Finally, the cuisine of CiudadReal, immortalized by Cervantes,also has its main source ofinspiration in game dishes. The “pistos” (sautéed tomatoes,zucchini, peppers and onionserved with scrambled eggs),“asadillo” (roast skinnedpeppers and tomatoes withgarlic), eggplant, “migas” (friedbreadcrumbs), “gachas” (a typeof hasty pudding), along with“galianos” (shepard’s soupmade with broth and friedunleavened bread) and“gazpachos manchegos” (mixedgame paté), as well as lambstews are excellent choices onthe menu crowned by “tiznao”,a simmered stew prepared fromroasted products.
Two products symbolize thegastronomy of La Mancha. They are cheese and wine. Manchego cheese is made from sheep’s milk and has its own designation of origin. At present, more the three hundred towns in
La Mancha make cheese fromthe half million sheep raised onthese plains. The wines fromCastilla-La Mancha have earnedtheir fame. In this region, thereare five different controlledwine-producing areas, butperhaps the most famous isValdepeñas. Vineyards can befound throughout Montiel and Calatrava.
Handicrafts
The crafts tradition in the regionis as long as it is varied in itsproduction. Ceramics fromTalavera de la Reina and Puentedel Arzobispo in Toledo province,are probably the most famous inthe region. The embroidery andlace from the Toledan region of Jara have also acquired great prestige. The towns ofLagartera and Oropesa form part of handicraft history
Ceramics in Talavera de la Reina
with their colorful andprestigious embroidered linensand tablecloths. Themanufacture of swords inToledo forms part of a traditiondating back to the Middle Ages.The majority of the productiontoday is earmarked for thetourist industry, although sabersare made for various armiesaround the world.
No less emblematic are thefamous knives from Albacete.Knifemaking is a tradition whichdates back to the Moors and hasmaintained its extraordinaryquality and craftsmanship to thepresent day. The manufacture of bronze in Riópar also meritsmentioning.
The most characteristic craft inthe province of Ciudad Real isthe intricate art of bobbinlacemaking in Almagro, anactivity extending lately to othertowns in the province. Also in
Cuenca, artisan activity is beingreborn with work in wood, suchas the objects made by veterancarpenters in Landete, Iniestaand Belmonte. Taxidermy isextended throughout theAutonomous Communitybecause of the hunting innumerous regions. Some of thebest taxidermists work in Motadel Cuervo in Cuenca province.Wicker is another of the waysthat Cuenca has to express itsfondness for handcrafted items.The livelihood of towns such asPriego, Tarancón and Horcajo de Santiago owe a good deal to wickerwork.
Guadalajara province is a landof numerous handicraftenclaves. Worth mentioning arethe pottery, ceramics and brassfrom Sigüenza, Cifuentes andBrihuega.
Handcrafted wicker in Priego
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USEFUL INFORMATION
International Telephone Prefix: 34
Tourist Information:TURESPAÑA901 300 600www.tourspain.es
Dirección General de Turismo,Comercio y ArtesaníaAvenida Río Estenilla, s/n45071 Toledo* 925 26 78 00. Fax 925 26 94 70www.jccm.es
LOCAL TOURIST OFFICESAlbacete. Posada del RosarioCalle del Tinte, 2* 967 58 05 22Ciudad Real. Calle Alarcos, 21* 926 21 20 03Cuenca. Plaza Mayor* 969 23 21 19Guadalajara. Plaza de los Caídos, 6* 949 21 16 26Toledo. Puerta de Bisagra* 925 22 08 43
PARADOR DE TURISMO HOTELSReservation Center:Calle Requena, 328013-Madrid* 91 516 66 66 Fax 91 516 66 57www.parador.ese-mail: [email protected]
AlarcónAvenida de los Castillos, 316213 Alarcón (Cuenca)* 969 33 03 15. Fax 969 33 03 03e-mail: [email protected]
AlbaceteN-301, Km 251. 02000 Albacete* 967 24 53 21. Fax 967 24 32 71e-mail: [email protected]
AlmagroRonda San Francisco, 3113270 Almagro (Ciudad Real)* 926 86 01 00. Fax 926 86 01 50e-mail: [email protected]
CuencaPaseo Hoz del Huécar16001 Cuenca* 969 23 23 20. Fax 969 23 25 34e-mail: [email protected]
Manzanares Autovía de Andalucía, Km 17413200 Manzanares (Ciudad Real)* 926 61 04 00. Fax 926 61 09 35e-mail: [email protected]
Oropesa Plaza Palacio, 145560 Oropesa (Toledo)* 925 43 00 00. Fax 925 43 07 77e-mail: [email protected]
SigüenzaPlaza del Castillo19250 Sigüenza (Guadalajara)* 949 39 01 00. Fax 949 39 13 64e-mail: [email protected]
ToledoCerro del Emperador45002 Toledo* 925 22 18 50. Fax 925 22 51 66e-mail: [email protected]
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GENERAL INFORMATION
National Police 091Local Police 092Civil Guard 062
Medical Emergencies:Albacete * 967 21 90 50Ciudad Real * 926 22 33 22Cuenca * 969 22 22 00Guadalajara * 949 22 84 81Toledo * 925 22 22 22
TRANSPORT
Renfe (national railways)Information and Reservations:* 902 24 02 02High-speed AVE trainCiudad Real StationGeneral Information:* 926 22 02 02AVE train. Puertollano StationGeneral Information:* 926 41 02 02
Buses
Albacete * 967 21 60 12Ciudad Real * 926 21 13 42Cuenca * 969 22 70 87Guadalajara * 949 88 70 94Toledo * 925 21 58 50
SPANISH TOURIST INFORMATIONOFFICES ABROAD
CANADA. Toronto.Tourist Office of Spain2 Bloor Street West Suite 3402TORONTO, Ontario M4W 3E2* (1416) 961 31 31fax (1416) 961 19 92e-mail: [email protected]
GREAT BRITAIN. London.Spanish Tourist Office22-23 Manchester SquareLONDON W1M 5AP* (44207) 486 80 77fax (44207) 486 80 34e-mail: [email protected]
JAPAN. Tokyo.Tourist Office of SpainDaini ToranomonDenki Bldg.4F. 3-1-10Toranomon. Minato-KuTOKYO-105* (813) 34 32 61 41fax (813) 34 32 61 44e-mail: [email protected]
RUSSIA. Moscow.Spanish Tourist OfficeTverskaya – 16/2 Business Center“Galeria Aktor” 6th floor MOSCOW 103009* (7095) 935 83 97fax (7095) 935 83 96e-mail: [email protected]
SINGAPORE. SingaporeSpanish Tourist Office541 Orchard RoadLiat Tower # 09-04238881 SINGAPORE* (657) 37 30 08fax (657) 37 31 73e-mail: [email protected]
UNITED STATES OF AMERICALos AngelesTourist Office of Spain8383 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 960BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90211* (1323) 658 71 95fax (1323) 658 10 61e-mail: [email protected]
Chicago. Tourist Office Of SpainWater Tower Place, suite 915 East845 North Michigan Avenue CHICAGO, IL 60611* (1312) 642 19 92fax (1312) 642 98 17e-mail: [email protected]
Miami. Tourist Office of Spain1221 Brickell AvenueMIAMI, Florida 33131* (1305) 358 19 92fax (1305) 358 82 23e-mail: [email protected]
New York.Tourist Office of Spain666 Fifth Avenue 35 th floorNEW YORK, N.Y. 10103* (1212) 265 88 22fax (1212) 265 88 64e-mail:[email protected]
EMBASSIES IN MADRID
Canada: Nuñez de Balboa, 35* 91 431 43 00, fax 91 431 23 67
Great Britain: Fernando ElSanto, 16* 91 319 02 00, fax 91 308 10 33
Japan: Serrano, 109* 91 590 76 00, fax 91 590 13 21
Russia: Velazquez, 155* 91 562 22 64, fax 91 562 97 12
United States of America:Serrano, 75* 91 587 22 00, fax 91 587 23 03
Text:Manuel Mateo Pérez
Translation:
J. WestPhotographs:
Turespaña ArchivesGraphic Design:
Megacolor, S.A.
Published by:© Turespaña
Secretaría de Estado de Comercio yTurismo
Ministerio de Economía
Printed by:Grafoffset S.L.
D.L. M. 32882-2001 NIPO: 380-01-025-5Printed in Spain
First Edition
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MINISTERIO DE ECONOMÍA
SECRETARÍA DEESTADO DE COMERCIO Y TURISMOSECRETARÍA GENERAL DE TURISMO
TURESPAÑA
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY
European Regional Development Fund
