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Home , Anchuras, Driebes, El Provencio, Fuente Obejuna, Lagunas de Ruidera, La Alcarria

Guadalajara Cuenca T oledo Castilla- 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 United Kingdom Ciudad Real 19 Dublin Cuenca 24 London Guadalajara 30 Ireland Toledo 36

LEISURE AND EVENTS 43 Paris

USEFUL INFORMATION 47 France

Cantabrian Sea

Spain Portugal Castilla- Lisbon La Mancha

Mediterranean Sea

Ceuta Melilla

Rabat Morocco Atlantic Ocean

Canary Islands VALL ADOLID 27 km ARANDA DE DUERO 17 km OSMA 33 km SORIA 32 km ZARAGOZA 43 km Rio Morón Rio Cuéllar Villalengua Longares Ayllón de Almazán Calatayud 330 Cega Duratón Retortillo Adradas Ateca Belchite Iscar Hontalvilla Sepúlveda de Soria Cariñena AutopistaAutorouteAutobahnToll road Olmedo Barcones Monteagudo Medina Riaza Ariza ARAGÓN AutovíaRouteSchnellstrasseMotorway à double chaussée 601 CASTILLA Y LEÓN Barahona Alhama del Campo de Aragón Maluenda CarreteraNationalstrasse nacional Rio Mainar RouteNational nationale highway L Arcos Coca Prádena Valverde de Medinaceli Ctra.RteHauptverkehrsstrassePrimary du Red réseauMadrigal regional básica de base de1erroad 1er VIorden 1. ordre RioKat. Turégano P.A N. HAYEDO DE de Jalón Campillo Daroca 1346 Cantalapiedra los Arroyos Rio 1423 Ctra.RteHauptverkehrsstrasseSecondary du Red lasréseau Altasbásica regional de Torres base 2º orden road2e 2. ordre Kat. Pedraza R TEJERA NEGRA de Aragón Herrera Zapardiel P Santa Cruz 234 Arévalo T I Maranchón Burbáguema CarreteraRouteGemeindestrasseLocal localeroad local Ragama 110 Sigüenza Cubel Laguna Muniesa

N Alcolea Fonfría km 72 ALCAÑIZ FerrocarrilCheminEisenbahnRailway de fer SEGOVIA Buitrago de Lozoya Cillas de Gallocanta Rio P Emb. de del Pinar 1518 Tiñosillos E A.V.E.AAVEVE (Hochgeschwindigkeitszug) ( TGV) El Atazar 211 Rillo Calamocha Peñaranda 1518 Riba ParcNationalparkNational national Park San Ildelfonso C Rascafría de Gallo Vivel 84 km deParque Bracamonte Nacional La Cabrera de Castellar Bello o La Granja Hita II Adaja Molina de la Muela ParqueParcNaturparkNature naturel naturalPark Villacastín SalmoralSan Pedro Torrelaguna Cifuentes TAJO de AragónRio Monreal Mezquita P A Miraflores Viñuelas El Pobo ParadorParador-HotelParador del Arroyo P. N. DEL ALTO TAJO del Campo de Jarque Alaraz Emb. Fuentes A-6 de Dueñas MonumentoMonumentBaudenkmalMonument M Muñico Claras Colmenar Cabanillas del 204 Jiloca 1728 P E Navacerrada Campo Emb. de RuinasRuinesHistorischeHistoric históricashistoriques ruins Ruinen Viejo Gallo Diego AVILA Entrepeñas de la Sierra Pozondón del VAussichtspunktPanoramicistaue panoramique Panorámica view T Galapagar COMUNIDAD GUADALAJARA 420 Muñana Muñogalindo Salmerón S 234 Carpio CampingCampingplatzCampgrounds S San Lorenzo VI i MengamuñozSolosancho Henares Guadiela Cañizares Alfambra 2294 de DE MADRID e CampoTGolfplatzSerrotaGolferrain course de golf I Sacedón r II HP Cañamares r Cedrillas Kurort Emb. de Las Rozas Vega a Albarracín BalnearioStationHealth thermalespa S San Juan Alcalá de Pastrana Emb. Rio d Guadalviar Navarredonda Brunete del Codorno e de GredosPuertoPortJachthafenMarina de deportivo plaisance Henares Yebra de Buendia P Leganés Cañaveruelas S 1866 P MADRID Cañaveras AeropuertoAéroportFlughafenAirport San Martín Mondéjar Buendía e Bezas TERUEL Móstoles III r Mogorrita Getafe r Terriente de Valdeiglesias SAGUNTOkm 73 PatrimonioPatrimoineMenschheitserbe de lal'Humanité Humanidad Arganda 320 a 1695 World Heritage Site 403 V n S Villel í i Villar de a e S. Martín d Javalón r ajuña 1180 1368 e r T Domingo García C u a AlbercheValmojado Parla de la Vega Uña 1838 e n c a El Cañigral Alfomira d Sarrión P Fuentidueña de Tajo e Illescas Huete Mariana Collado Bajo Emb. de Sta. Cruz Salvacañete 2020 J Chinchón Barajas P a Rosarito TiétarNavalcán Emb. de del Retamar v Carrascosa Cañete Javalambre a 502 Seseña Aranjuez de Melo 400 CUENCA l a 401 del Campo Villar de Ademuz m Villarrubia de Huérguina b Las Ventas de Talavera Tarancón Mohorte Torrijas r Añover de Tajo Santiago Olalla 420 e Moya San Julián de la Reina Cazalegas Torrejoncillo 1062 Abejuela La Calzada Ocaña Uclés RIO Oropesa RIO Torrijos Olías Santa Cruz del Rey Entredichos 1401 de Oropesa V 400 Fuentes P del Rey de la Zarza Saelices Cuerda Villar Calera P 330 VillasequillaAlgodor Huerta de Segóbriga del Humo Titaguas y Chozas La Puebla 1419 El Puente de Tajo TOLEDO Valdecarábanos 301 Almonacid del Valeria Chelva del Arzobispo de Montalbán Horcajo de Almonacid La Guardia Santiago Marquesado III Pelado

TRUJILLO 70 km TRUJILLO Polán Gálvez de Toledo Villar de Cañas Enguidanos Sinarcas TURIA de San Martín Lillo Villamayor Buenache Valdelacasa La Nava 420 de Montalbán 877 Cigüela de Santiago 1052 COMUNIDAD de Tajo de Ricomalillo Mora L a Puebla de Alarcón Emb. 1279 Tembleque Villescusa V Quintanar Emb. de ContrerasCamporrobles de Almoradiel Motilla Chera km 40 ALENCIA M 1419 de Haro Honrubiade Alarcón O Cumbre Alta de la Orden Alarcón Utiel Puerto N Villacañas del Palancar III T Corral de Mota Belmonte de San Vicente E Cantos IV P Minglanilla S D O Los Yébenes LA MANCHA 320 Requena D E T O L E del Cuervo Iniesta P Retuerta Madridejos Vara del Rey

Cabriel Campo RIO 502 del Bullaque El Molinillo Villanueva Guadalupe de Criptana Las Pedroñeras 310 Ledaña Emb. PARQUE NACIONAL San Clemente de la Jara VALENCIANA 401 Urda Pedro Casas del Cijara DE CABAÑEROS Quintanar 1010 1209 Alcázar de Muñoz El Provencio 301 A-31 744 Ibáñez Valdecaballeros Castiblanco Horcajo Puerto Lápice San Juan Tarazona del Rey Cofrentes Machero Calderina de los Montes 420 Socuéllamos de la Mancha Mahora JÚCAR EXTREMADURA CASTILLA - LA MANCHA Alcalá Jarafuel Herrera del Júcar Fuencaliente PARQUE NACIONAL DE Argamasilla 322 330 del Duque Puebla de Malagón 310 Santa Marta LAS TABLAS DE de Alba Don Rodrigo Ayora Casas de Don Pedro RIO Fernancaballero 1242 Sotuélamos 430 P Emb. de 430 P P. N. LAGUNAS 1107 XÁTIV Agudo 430 Daimiel Chinchilla Molatón Orellana CIUDAD REAL Manzanares DE Los Barreros ALBACETE de Monte-Aragón Luciana Puebla de Alcocer S Ruidera Ossa de

Saceruela 430 km 33 A i Lagunas Emb. Emb. e Abenójar Pozuelo Almagro 430 del Zújar r r Corral de Alhambra de Ruidera de la Serena a Moral de El 301 Calatrava de Calatrava P 1087 San Pedro d e Calatrava Montealegre A Villar Rio San Carlos Villanueva Pétrola MÉRIDA 84 km MÉRIDA l 420 Bolos 1257 Pozuelo Pozo Cañada Cabeza Almadén m a d Robledo del Castillo é n del Pozo Calzada del Valle de los Infantes del Buey Almodóvar Argamasilla Roble Fuente-Álamo de Calatrava Valdepeñas del Campo de Calatrava IV Reolid km 32 ALICANTE 1117 Peñascosa Villena 502 Sta. Cruz Jabalón Montiel Belalcázar A l c a r Santa Eufemia Atalaya de Mudela d e a z Yecla Las Virtudes r a Ayna de la Calzada r 1257 344 S 1108 Guadalmenae Hellín I E AlmuradielA i Rio R R A M O R E N Castellar S 322 Almenaras Liétor Jumilla Hinojosa Judío Viso del Riópar Mesones Mundo del Duque 1323 Marqués de Santiago Guadalén Rio Solana Cancarix 1300 Emb. de de la Sierra Pinoso N Bañuela del Pino Guadalmena Yeste Emb. Casas del Puerto Fuencaliente a Estrella Arguellite 768 S i o n del Cenajo e r r a d r Santa Elena Rio Fuente Obejuna a M RIO 301 Beas de 1261 Villanueva Cardeña Castellar Calasparra Cieza km 15 ELCHE Emb. Rumblar Segura Segura Jándula r a de Córdoba Vilches Emb. de la Sierra u SEGURA e g Moratalla Emb. Fortuna Albatera 420 ANDALUCÍA de Guadalén Villanueva S de Argos e del Arzobispo d Caravaca

AZUAGA 28 km AZUAGA REGIÓN Orihuela a Santiago Bailén Linares r 2001 de la Cruz Ceheguín Archena 340 0 10 20 30 40 50 Km. Marmolejo Rio Guadalimar r de la Espada Andújar IV e Molina de Segura P e i Revolcadores d S DE CARTOGRAFêA: GCAR, S.L. Cardenal Silíceo, 35 Villanueva Rio r a Baeza Úbeda e r 2381 Puebla de Tel. 91 416 73 41 - 28002 MADRID - AÑO 2000 de la Reina S i Emb.San Alcantarilla RIO Don Fadrique P Arjona P Clemente 323 Peal de MURCIA CÓRDOBA Becerro SEVILLA 130 km JAÉN 23 km GUADIX 63 km BAZA 67 km LORCA 67 km Introduction

A land of contrasts, dramatic Toledo is the capital of the landscapes and extensive plains; Autonomous Community which this is Castilla-La Mancha. also comprises the provinces of This Autonomous Community, Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca located in the center of the and Guadalajara. The territory , is a surprise stretches through the southern to visitors for its cultural, half of the vast plateau of the geographical and Meseta between the Central environmental diversity. Small mountain range, the Iberian farmers and nomadic livestock Mountains and . breeders erected towns across Two great rivers traverse the a formerly uninhabited area. area: the Tajo () and the The region has been Guadiana. The Tajo runs through immortalized by the pen of Toledo and Guadalajara, and the Miguel de Cervantes in his Guadiana divides the province world-famous Don Quixote of Ciudad Real. de La Mancha. The entire Autonomous Community has With a population of around clusters of picturesque 1,700,000, Castilla-La Mancha villages bathed in tranquility has important protected nature which have been able to reserves such as the Ruidera escape the accelerated pace of Lagoons, Cabañeros and the larger cities. Castilla-La Mancha Tablas de Daimiel. The cities is a land worth getting to of Cuenca and Toledo have know thoroughly and both been declared World unhurriedly. Heritage Sites.

Nature Park of Ruidera Lagoons The region’s cuisine appeals to the rural and agricultural character which defines the five provinces. Wine and cheese accompany a gastronomy that never ceases to offer new ideas.

Castilla-La Mancha has been caught up in the recent boom of rural tourism. A good number of Vernacular architecture lodgings is available, along with complementary facilities, edge of the Serranía de Gredos, enabling visitors to enjoy sports and in the south, the Sierra such as hiking, horseback riding, Morena, a huge massif with swimming and parapente. the base of the plateau A good transportation network fading into the distance. crisscrosses the region with motorways and railways, The climate is another aspect including the high-speed train which shows great diversity. called “AVE”, and makes visiting Temperate zones alternate with the area more convenient. vast arid areas. The climate can be classified as Continental Getting to Know Mediterranean, with cold Castilla-La Mancha winters and hot summers. Spring and autumn register mild Castilla-La Mancha consists of temperatures. The rainy season 79,226 square kilometers, coincides with the last few occupying a good part of the months of winter. In the southern sub-plateau. Its provinces of Cuenca and geographical features are Guadalajara, rainfall is higher, diverse but also provide a while the more arid areas extend common tie. Castilla-La Mancha through the southern part of the is like a large river basin with region through the provinces of the Toledo Mountains running Toledo and Ciudad Real. from east to west separating it, a dividing line been the Tajo The population density of and Guadiana rivers. In the Castilla-La Mancha is the north lies the lowest on the Iberian Peninsula or central chain of mountains. (21 inhabitants per square The high plains are located in the kilometer compared with the east; in the west is the southern national average of 75 per

2 square kilometer). This is due to Spain’s Autonomous the extensive arid areas with Communities. The high-speed deep-rooted forest and pastoral “AVE” train has stations in the activity, as as dry farming cities of Ciudad Real and with large areas left fallow. Puertollano.

The privileged geographical History location of this Community has helped it become a rapid The region has a prolific past avenue of direct communication dating back to pre-Roman times between the province capitals when Castilla-La Mancha was and the rest of Spain, aided by inhabited by Celtic and Iberian the roads crisscrossing this tribes (, Vetoni and historic land from north to ). Toledo is indisputably south and east to west. The N-II the capital with the greatest between Madrid and historic legacy. Between the divides the province of years 573 and 711, Toledo was Guadalajara in two. The N-III capital of the Visigothic between Madrid and kingdom. During the Moorish runs through a good portion occupation, between the 8th of southern Cuenca province. and 11th centuries, Toledo was The N-IV connecting Madrid with the capital of a “Taifa” is the most important kingdom. The domains were highway in the Community. very similar to the present Lastly, the N-V to Extremadura boundaries of the Autonomous runs through the northern part Community. Finally, in the year of Toledo province. The N-401 1085, Toledo was returned once links Madrid and the city of again to Christian hands. Toledo. The present territorial The extensive area is well-served organization dates from the by the railway system linking Lower Middle Ages, coinciding of Cristo de la Luz in Toledo with the conquest of the kingdoms of Castile and Leon by Fernando III. Repopulation by a nobility system was promoted by the religious knightly orders of Calatrava, Santiago (St.James) and San Juan (St. John) which consolidated a structure of large estates.

3 The government of the Catholic In the 19th century, a series monarchs, Ferdinand and of definitive changes were Isabella, brought a period of initiated which could still be tranquility and prosperity to felt into the next century. Castile. Toledo became one of The secularization of church the most important cities in the land and abolition of the kingdom. Ecclesiastical power privileges of the Meseta favored also took shape at this time. the working classes, creating a Over the years, Toledo became solid framework based on the capital of the Spanish agriculture and livestock. empire. Finally, in the year 1561, king Felipe II decided to transfer Today, Castilla-La Mancha is a the Court to Madrid, and Toledo prosperous region where the began to suffer a relentless agricultural activities of the social and cultural recession. large Manchegan areas are combined with the budding The period between the 17th industrial zones of the main and 19th centuries was urban centers. In 1982, the especially adverse for the region Statute of Autonomy of as a result of an acute crisis and Castilla-La Mancha was approved a severe decline in population. with Toledo as capital of the Seigniorial classes dominated an Autonomous Community and agricultural-based rural society seat of the regional parliament. with villages and cities growing poorer and more backwards. Natural Wealth During the (1808-1812), known as the War Castilla-La Mancha comprises of Independence in Spain, the three of the most important region was devastated socially nature reserves on the Iberian and economically. Peninsula: Tablas de Daimiel and Cabañeros National Parks and Ruidera Lagoons Nature Park. Serranía de Cuenca Daimiel and Ruidera are two wetlands of great ecological value, rich in wildlife, in particular migratory birds. Cabañeros is representative of the authentic Mediterranean Iberian forest.

The Parque Nacional de las Tablas de Daimiel (1,928 hectares),

4 declared a National Park in 1973, is located at the confluence of the Cigüela and Guadiana rivers in the geographical heartland of La Mancha. This flat watery expanse is the last of the once vast wetlands, characteristic of the central plains. The “tablas” or shallow lagoons are overgrown with vegetation, Cabañeros National Park, forming an exceptional habitat Ciudad Real for the water fauna abounding in the area. Of the eight species of Spanish herons, seven can be found at Daimiel. Red-crested at the southern edge of the pochard, marsh harriers and Toledo mountains, is the dense other aquatic birds can green reserve called Parque also be seen. Nacional de Cabañeros (40,000 hectares), declared a National The Parque Natural de las Park in 1995. Nine hundred is located in botanical species and 276 the region of Campo de species of invertebrates have Montiel, in one of the most been identified within the park. important lake areas on the It is home to the second largest Iberian Peninsula. This nature colony of black vultures in park is a succession of fourteen Europe, with twenty percent of lagoons, nine of which are in the continent’s population. the township of Visits to Cabañeros National in the and Park are limited to 42 persons the rest in Argamasilla and per day. Villahermosa in the . The park extends The Sierra de Alcaraz is situated along 25 kilometers. Of special in the southeastern part of interest is the waterfowl, such as Albacete province. The most the , red-crested pochard, remarkable sight is the source of coot, loon, tufted duck, as well the Mundo river (nacimiento del as a large variety of birds of río Mundo). On a rocky wall prey, amphibians and bustards. more than one hundred meters high, a spills forth a In the northwestern part of the waterfall of extraordinary province of Ciudad Real, almost beauty.

5 The abrupt landscape of the This protected area is home to Serranía de Cuenca is the century-old beech, yew, birch habitat of a large group of and holly trees. wildlife species. Originating in the northwest portion of the The Sierra de San Vicente province, it continues on to the occupies the northern edge of flatlands of La . the , near the The hunting reserve of Sierra de Gredos. Punctuated Hosquillo can be found here. with chestnut and oak groves, Likewise, the gorges of the these are good pasturelands for Cabriel river or Hoces del Río raising livestock. Cabriel were declared a nature reserve in 1995. Located halfway between the provinces of Cabañeros National Park Cuenca and Albacete, their (Parque Nacional de Cabañeros) chief interest lies in the natural Pueblonuevo del Bullaque course chiseled by the river in (Ciudad Real) the craggy limestone landscape. * 926 77 53 84 Tablas de Daimiel National Park The (Parque Nacional de las Tablas de shelters two protected reserves Daimiel) of great ecological value: Alto Daimiel (Ciudad Real) Tajo and the Hayedo de Tejera * 926 69 31 18 Negra. The Alto Tajo runs through high open plains, deep Nature Park of Ruidera Lagoons gorges and abrupt rocky (Parque Natural de las Lagunas de landscapes. The Park of Hayedo Ruidera) de Tejera Negra is situated in Ruidera (Ciudad Real) * the northwestern part of the 926 21 37 40 province, in the Sierra de Ayllón.

Hayedo de Tejera Negra in Cantalojas, Guadalajara Plaza Mayor in El Toboso, Toledo

16th and 17th centuries, respectively. The Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) stands on the Plaza de España.

Close by is Madridejos, a town dating back to the Roman period. Amid homes of old aristocratic families, other monuments include the 16th century parish church, the Don Quixote Country Convent of San Francisco, with its church and cloister, the Miguel de Cervantes not only Convent of Las Clarisas, universalized the name of and the neoclassical jurisdictional La Mancha, his literary masterpiece, pillar called Rollo de Justicia. Don Quixote also immortalized the land, infusing it with magic Another distinctively Quixotic and charm, chivalrous adventures town is Puerto Lápice, a and poetic passion. The roads traditional stop along the N-IV of La Mancha carry the traveler road. The silhouette of the over fictional routes through hidalgo Don Quixote seated on lofty lands where the knight- his inseparable horse Rocinante errant Don Quixote converted leaves no doubt we are in ordinary inns into castles and La Mancha country. windmills into giants. The N-420 will take the traveler to A good place to begin the Herencia, another town of white Quixote route and view some houses and old noble homes with windmills is at the Toledan town continuous references to of Consuega. The white-washed Cervantes’ fictional world. Here facades and grand old rambling stands the Church of Nuestra houses scattered throughout the Señora de la Merced, founded old quarter allude to bygone by Juan of Austria. Scholars days. In the heart of the town, who have studied the Quixote various examples of architecture believe that from diverse periods have been was the place referred to in the preserved. The Church of San opening sentence of the book Juan Bautista and the Convent which reads “In a place of La of Las Carmelitas are from the Mancha, whose name I do not

7 choose to recall…” A few kilometers from the Ruidera lagoons, not far from Ossa de Montiel in Albacete province, the traveler comes upon the Cave of Montesinos, where Cervantes situated one of the most memorable episodes about Alonso Quixano. Tomelloso and La Solana are other towns along , Ciudad Real the Quixote route. standing in La Mancha, where Several kilometers away is at one time more than four Alcázar de San Juan, one of the hundred could be counted. main railway junctions of Campo de Criptana, attractive Castilla La Mancha. The town capital of the region of the also boasts a rich monumental same name, features the Church legacy, including a collection of of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Roman mosaics in the Municipal the Pósito or communal granary, Museum. The Plaza de Santa and the baroque church of the María and the Torreón del Gran Convent of El Carmen as its Prior are the city’s main landmarks. principal monuments.

Campo de Criptana is the next in the province stop on the route. The of Cuenca is an influential town countryside is presided over by a known as the “Balcony of cluster of famous windmills that La Mancha” for its impressive Don Quixote took for giants. views. The potters’ district is of Only a dozen have been special interest where pitchers preserved, three of them have are traditionally made. been declared historic monuments for their antiquity. The Quixote route continues on These windmills are one-fourth to Belmonte, birthplace of the of the total number still religious writer Fray Luis de Cueva de Medrano in León. The group of monuments Argamasilla de Alba, Ciudad Real is of special interest, particularly the elegant well-preserved castle, Gothic in style with Mudéjar influences. Mudéjar is a style named after the Moors who remained in the territories recovered during the Christian

8 Reconquest and is characterized La Mancha by Islamic influences. La Mancha occupies the central The Quixote route ends in the plains of the region, where same province that served as the Quixotic spirit and genuine rural starting point. The province of flavor blend to form a spacious Toledo embraces the town with area united by its distinctive the most Quixotic flavor, landscape and heritage. El Toboso, literary hometown of La Mancha can also be subdivided Don Quixote’s lady-love, where into different geographical Dulcinea’s “birthplace” stands, regions. For example, the route a typical old 16th century called “Plains of La Mancha” Manchegan structure. The same runs through towns in the east, square where we find the Church mainly in Albacete province, but of San Antonio Abad is presided also Ciudad Real and Cuenca. over by the sculpture in metal The first stop is Tarazona de representing the encounter la Mancha, where La Mancha between the knight and his ends and La Manchuela begins. beloved maiden. Also on the The main square or Plaza Mayor square is the Museo Cervantino, is a splendid example of civil a modern museum exhibiting an architecture from the 17th interesting collection of editions century with lovely projecting of Don Quixote in different wooden balconies. languages, signed by illustrious personages from around the world. Heading towards the center of the region, the traveler comes Another interesting stop is across La Roda, in the heart of Esquivias, located in the northern part of Toledo province, bordering on the . Plaza Mayor in , Albacete Here the wife of Cervantes, Catalina Salazar y Palacios, was born. The 16th century two-story house where the couple lived is preserved, a short distance from the parish church.

Dulcinea’s House (Casa de Dulcinea) Quijote, 1. El Toboso (Toledo) * 925 19 72 88 www.elquijote.com

9 the plains. Here stands the value. Grape growing is famous Lighthouse of combined with raising livestock. La Mancha (Faro de la Mancha), In the province of Ciudad Real, the tower of the Church of La Mancha boasts towns like El Salvador, built in the 15th Socuéllamos with the parish century. The province of Church of La Asunción. In the Albacete has other populous outskirts of the town is the towns, such as Villarrobledo, Sanctuary of Loreto. La Solana with important wine and cheese has a fine Plaza Mayor with long producing industries. Scattered arcaded galleries. Of interest on throughout the town center are the square are the Town Hall noble homes, crosses, and the (Ayuntamiento) and the Church 15th century Church of San Blas. of Santa Catalina. Valdepeñas is The town is noted for making another important town whose large earthenware jars called economy is based almost “tinajas”. entirely on wine producing. The Church of Nuestra Señora de la The province of Ciudad Real Asunción is the most significant presents an open flat horizon, building in the town, occupying punctuated only by some one of the sides of the busy wetlands of notable ecological Plaza de España. Nearby, the

Church of El Salvador in La Roda, Albacete traveler can visit the small town of which boasts one of the most singular main squares in the region.

La Mancha in Cuenca province is dotted with extensive fields of grain, vineyards and olive trees. Townships like San Clemente provide good examples of the artistic spirit of the Castilian Renaissance. Its old quarter is clustered around the Plaza Mayor on which the 15th century Church of Santiago Church of Santa Catalina in Apóstol stands. Mota del La Solana, Ciudad Real Cuervo is another important Manchegan town. It has a picturesque cluster of seven windmills portraying the typical vernacular architecture have Quixotic image of La Mancha. been preserved, as well as house-mansions from different A few kilometers from Mota del periods, such as the Parada with Cuervo is Belmonte, superbly set a baroque doorway, the house on a hill in the middle of the of the Duques de Riansares spacious plains of La Mancha. and the Casa Leganesa. The town is crowned by a Also noteworthy is the Parish splendid Castle with a profusely Church of la Asunción, a Gothic decorated interior. At the foot edifice rebuilt during the of the fortress stands the Late reign of Felipe II. Gothic Collegiate Church of San Bartolomé. Belmonte also is one of boasts an extensive curtain the gateways to the Toledan wall and old noble homes. part of La Mancha. The town lies on the de Ocaña, Other Manchegan towns in south of the Tajo river. Cuenca province are Villaescusa Numerous coats of arms are de Haro and Tarancón; the latter proudly displayed on the old is located at the eastern part of noble homes in the town’s old the province near an important quarter. Almost next door, the communications junction. traveler finds Villarrubia de Various buildings of the local Santiago and Noblejas, two

11 towns with deep-rooted Just off the N-IV is Tembleque, agricultural traditions. which preserves one of the most attractive main squares in the Ocaña is located on a Community. This original Plaza geographical step. To the south Mayor is typically square with extend the plains of La Mancha two tiers of decorated porticoed and to the north, the low fertile galleries supported by granite valleys of the Tajo. The Plaza columns. The route of Toledan Mayor presides over the town La Mancha continues southeast center. Designed during the through Villacañas, an industrial reign of Carlos III, the entire town. The main attractions of perimeter of the square is special ethnological interest are arcaded. Other interesting the unusual underground monuments are the rollo dwellings called “silos”. jurisdiccional (a stone pillar used to indicate jurisdiction) and the Fuente Nueva (New www.lamancha.net Fountain).

Plaza Mayor in Tembleque, Toledo A Tour through the Capital Cities and Provinces

ALBACETE

Al-Basit, an Arabic word meaning the plain, was only a small village belonging to Chinchilla. In 1241, it was taken by Christian troops and became a part of the dominions of Alarcón. In 1375, it received its independence, and in 1526, emperor Charles V granted authority and power over the of San Juan Bautista town to his wife, the Empress Isabella of Portugal. Its good location on the route between ground plan. The Cathedral Madrid and Levant has enabled stands on the Plaza Virgen de Albacete to become a modern los Reyes on a base of elegant capital, continually progressing steps. Other religious buildings socially and economically. include the former 16th century of La Encarnación (2), The A-31 motorway connects now a cultural center, and the Madrid to Albacete. This two-lane Church of the Purísima highway also continues on to Concepción (3) with an 18th Alicante and Valencia. century portal. The N-430 comes from Ciudad Real. Another way to reach The busiest streets radiate out Albacete through the southern from the Plaza del Altozano. provinces is via the N-322. To one side is the Court of Justice and to another, the former The Cathedral of San Juan Town Hall, now a museum of Bautista (1) was begun in 1515 popular arts and customs. and employed architects of the caliber of Enrique Egas and Among works of civil Diego de Siloé. The numerous architecture, of interest is the modifications during past Posada del Rosario (4), present centuries have not eliminated site of the local tourist office. the Gothic accents of its original The building is a blend of

13 C. Calderón Salado Júcar Plaza de de ruz Lozano C las Carretas S. Agustín la Parra la Pascual S. P. Cristóbal A de AÑ de de SP 3 Calle E C. P C. la Barca º D de Tetuán

E L Tribunal Tejares C Tinte E A L de Justicia Calle . A del Ejército ALBACETEIBE G Plaza C. RT a Mayor AD Plaza ona P.C. Aguilar rcángel astro San José Calle Nueva D Calle del Altozano Calle A . C M ID de San 6 a . Teodoro N 8 R MOLINS E

ch Camino AV Calle del te Parque S n C. an Antonio DE TESIF. GALLEGO José Cal. o

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1 Cathedral of San Juan Bautista i Tourist Information 2 Monastery of La Encarnación 3 Church of the Purísima Concepción 4 Posada del Rosario 5 Casa Perona 6 Palacio de la Diputación Provincial 7 Pasaje de Lodares 8 Museum of Albacete

Diputación Provincial Gothic, Mudéjar and Renaissance styles. From more recent periods, the only edifice that has been preserved is the baroque Casa Perona (5). The Palacio de la Diputación Provincial (6) is the most outstanding edifice built during the 19th century. To one side of the street called Paseo de la Libertad, the traveler’s attention is drawn to the neo-classical facade. In the interior, there is a Posada del Rosario good collection of 20th century art. The glass-roofed Pasaje de Lodares (7), one of the most emblematic places in the city, Almansa and Chinchilla is an example of early 20th century architecture. A view of The N-430 will take the traveler this capital cannot conclude to Chinchilla de Monte Aragón, without a visit to the Museum set on a hill overlooking the of Albacete (8), which houses spacious plains of La Mancha. prehistoric, Iberian and Roman Above the town looms a 15th treasures, including the famous century castle. The medieval articulated dolls from the layout of the town is very well- Roman necropolis of Ontur, the preserved. The Moorish baths Ibero-Roman head of El Tolmo as well as a good number of and the sword of La Hoya. mansions and houses bearing coats of arms are noteworthy. The fairgrounds, popularly know Other buildings of architectural as “the frying pan” (la sartén) interest are the Ayuntamiento are connected to the city center (Town Hall) in the Plaza Mayor by the street called Calle Feria. emblazoned with the coat of To one side, is the Neo-Mudéjar arms of Carlos III; the old jail of style bullring (plaza de toros). La Corredera and the Church of Santa María del Salvador. Provincial Museum of Albacete On the street called Calle Peñuela (Museo Provincial) stands the National Museum of Parque Abelardo Sánchez Ceramics, an institution housing * 967 22 83 07 more than one thousand pieces www.dipualba.es from all the different Spanish regions.

15 The Moorish city of Almansah was probably built upon the Roman settlement of Ad Aras. In the past, its privileged geographical location helped it become a town of the first order. It served as the gateway and customhouse to La Mancha during a large part of its history. Almansa’s chief attraction is the Castle of Almansa majestic Moorish castle built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Just beyond the town picturesque places in Albacete, lies the border of the region nestled on a cliffside above the of Levant. Júcar river. The fertile farmlands provide a lush green The area surrounding the castle background to this charming has been declared a historic little town, crowned by a artistic complex. In the old Moorish castle and the Church quarter is the Palacio de los of San Andrés. Condes de Cirat, also known as the Casa Grande. The Church of The Sierras of Alcaraz La Asunción is another and Segura monument of interest. The Sierras of Alcaraz and North of Chinchilla and Almansa Segura form a natural is the white town of Alcalá del landscape fracturing the Júcar, one of the most extensive plains of La Mancha. These are frontier lands which preserve important traces of Town Hall of Chinchilla their intense history. The valley of the Mundo river is without a doubt one of the greatest natural attractions in the Autonomous Community. The source of the Mundo river, a tributary of the Segura, emerges spectacularly from a

16 cave cascading down more than 100 meters below. Inside the Cave of Los Chorros (Cueva de los Chorros), there are more than 24 kilometers of galleries. Not very far from this impressive natural wonder is Riópar, a medieval town nestled among the pine trees.

The head of the region is Alcaraz, where the natural beauty of its surroundings can be added to its own rich historical and artistic heritage. Twin Towers of Trinidad and Tardón in Alcaraz The twin towers called Trinidad and Tardón or Reloj on the Plaza Mayor have become the main identifying symbols, but not the only ones. municipality in the Sierra de The 15th century Gothic parish Segura in Albacete province. Church of the Santísma Trinidad The town hovers precariously preserves important works of on a cliffside overlooking the art, in addition to an artistic Mundo river. portal and a Renaissance cloister.

Elche de la Sierra is another town on the route in the Segura region and can be reached by Sierra of Alcaraz, taking a winding regional road. Source of the Mundo River, Albacete The town center features the Church of Santa Quiteria. West of the Fuensanta reservoir lies Yeste, crowned by a Moorish castle. In the old quarter stands the Church of La Asunción. Ayna is another interesting

17 CIUDAD REAL Unfortunately, many of the traces of the city’s medieval past King Alfonso X “the Wise” have disappeared. All that founded “Villa Real” in the year remains of the eight gates of 1255 as an outpost of the crown the old walls encircling the old in an attempt to check the quarter is the Puerta de Toledo (1), immense power held by the built during the reign of military orders in the province. Alfonso XI. Three churches help It was not until 1420 that it provide a glance at the city’s acquired its present name, artistic heritage. The Church of literally “Royal City”, after king Santiago (2) is considered the Juan II, father of Isabella I, oldest in the capital. It was built granted it the title of city. at the end of the 13th century During the reign of the Catholic in the early Gothic style. monarchs, Ciudad Real acquired The interior is simple but its maximum significance. elegant with a central and two aisles. More ornate is the Two national highways head in Holy Prioral Church of the the direction of Ciudad Real Military Orders devoted to from the Autovía de Andalucía, Santa María del Prado (3), a the N-420 which connects Cathedral since 1875. Puerto Lápice with the province Six centuries were needed for its capital and the N-430, which construction. The foundation is runs through Manzanares. from the 13th century and the West of Ciudad Real, this same last additions from the 19th road continues on to Badajoz century. The tower crowning in Extremadura. The N-401 the cathedral was finished in connects Ciudad Real with this last period. In the interior, Toledo and Madrid. of special interest is the baroque altarpiece and the 18th century Church of Santiago walnut choir stalls.

The Church of San Pedro (4), located near the Plaza Mayor, is one of the most notable monuments in Ciudad Real. This late 14th century Gothic church has a fortress-like appearance.

Other religious buildings in Ciudad Real are the Parish Church of La Merced (5) and the

18 Parroquia 1 CARMENCalle S. Juan Alta DEL Pl. Pta. Plaza de C. CIUDAD REAL Sta. María Toros CIUDAD REAL de ONDAC. R Gta. Juan edrera Colón Pérez Ayala P Baja la C. Cl

Calle del Carmen Esperanza avel C Albacete de OLEDO C .Azuer del edrera T C. .Jabalón P Pl. de Bañuelos C. Ciprés Fray María C. España CalleMonjas del Río ALTAGRACIA de Espino ONDA CalleDE SANTA MARêA D. R Real Quijote

Calle 7 11 Calle del Luz Pl. del la Paz Calle Calle Sta. Catalina de Zarza Estación DE Carmen Cuenca DE V. Crucis S. José Calle de la C. alencia de Norte V de de la Calle los Azuzena C. Calle San Lentejuela de C. de la Rosa Ángel de del Calle del Pardo C. Caballeros Cendrera Antón la 5 de Calle 3 del Jacinto 2 6 la Antonio Reyes del Estrella Jardines Elisa CALLE Gta. 10 del Prado Calle San Morería Carlos III Calle CALATRAVA

Alamillo B. B. del Prado Calle Calle María CALLE Calle C. Estenaga Jara DE POSTAS 9 CALLE de DE Lirio C. Refugio 7 CALLE Inmaculada Concepción Sta. Teresa Pl. Mayor Cruz C. CALATRAVA CALLE Ayuntamiento la Paloma Monescillo Corazón Calle N Bachiller Fernán DE Juan II 8 Calle Calle del C. a de Calle ALARCOS r del A. X El Sabio ile F gu Calle elipe II . A Cardenal ral Calle de Libertad de G Cañas DE Pl. de la Pl. del Ramón y Cajal Calle 4 de Ávila Provincia Pilar Her Vicent Calle Calle Que las ar Cañada

1 Puerta de Toledo i Tourist Information 2 Church of Santiago 3 Cathedral of Santa María del Prado 4 Church of San Pedro 5 Parish Church of La Merced 6 Convent of La Merced 7 Convent of the Carmelitas and Franciscanas 8 Palacio Medrano 9 Provincial Museum 10 Diocesan Museum 11 Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Alarcos

Plaza Mayor Convents of La Merced (6) and the Carmelitas and Franciscanas (7). A tour through Ciudad Real is not complete without seeing the old Palacio Medrano (8), which preserves a lovely Renaissance doorway, now the site of the Rectorate of the University. The Provincial Museum (9) houses objects from the principal archeological sites Puerta de Toledo in Ciudad Real in the province from the Lower Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. Among its treasures is the door to the old Jewish synagogue. Campo de Calatrava The room with by Antonio López and Gregorio Land of brave knights and Prieto is of particular interest. cradle of legendary battles, The Diocesan Museum (10) is Campo de Calatrava, in the located in the former Bishop’s southern part of Ciudad Real Palace. Last of all, the Sanctuary province, was a frontier with of Nuestra Señora de Alarcos (11), the Muslim world for a long eight kilometers from the time. The center of the region capital on the is Almagro. One of the most road, was the scene of one of notable main squares (Plaza the most decisive battles during Mayor) in Castilla-La Mancha the Christian Reconquest of can be admired here. Within Spain. This important Iberian- the square, the picturesque Medieval site has been declared theater-courtyard of the Corral an archeological park. de Comedias, declared a National Monument, is a must- see attraction. Also noteworthy is the Church of San Bartolomé and the Convent of La Asunción. Today, the city of Almagro is the epicenter of the theater in Provincial Museum of Ciudad Real Castilla-La Mancha and is the (Museo Provincial) site of the National Theater Prado, 4 Museum which exhibits * 926 22 68 96 paintings, librettos, costumes www.dipucr.es and models from the period. The former Convent of San

20 Francisco, near the Palacio de los In the neighboring mountains Marqueses de Torremejía, was and valleys of Alcudia lie two remodeled and converted into important industrial cities. a de Turismo hotel. First is Puertollano, with a modern urban center. On the The nearby town of Calzada de Paseo de San Gregorio is the Calatrava is presided over by Fuente Agria, a fountain of the remains of the castle of iron-rich water dating back to Salvatierra, perched imposingly the period of Felipe II. Second is on a hilltop. Another stronghold Almadén, not far from the is the castle of Calatrava de la borders of the provinces of Nueva, built in 1217. The Church Badajoz and Córdoba. Aspects of Nuestra Señora de la of its past as a mining town are Asunción and the Hospedería still visible throughout the de los Caballeros are other town. Almadén boasts some of sights to see in this historic the most notable Spanish town to the south of Almagro. industrial architecture from the 19th century. El Viso del Marqués is the third most important town in this region. Here we find the Palacio de Don Alvaro de Bazán, National Theater Museum presently the site of the (Museo Nacional de Teatro) Historical Archives of the Callejón del Villar, 4 Spanish Navy. The two-story Almagro mansion is decorated with * 926 88 22 44 frescoes painted by Italian artists. In the nearby village of Las Virtudes, there is an unusual square-shaped bulling (plaza de toros) Plaza Mayor in Almagro dating from the 17th century.

Almuradiel forms part of the colony of “New Towns” founded by Carlos III during the mid-eighteenth century. In its straight and orderly town center, we find the Church of the Inmaculada Concepción and the communal granary building called the “Pósito”.

21 Campo de Montiel

Campo de Montiel is a vast area extending over the provinces of Ciudad Real and Albacete. Montiel, former capital of Campo de Montiel, preserves the remains of the 9th century Castillo de la Estrella (Star castle), as well as buildings such as the Sanctuary of the Ruidera Lagoons Santísimo Cristo de la Expiración and the Church of San Sebastián. East of the nature Quevedo. Other important park of the Lagunas de Ruidera, sights include the Hospital del the traveler encounters Ossa de Remedio, the Casa del Arco, the Montiel with its parish Church Church of the Convent of Santo of Santa María Magdalena. Domingo, the Convent of the Dominicas de la Encarnación To the south lies Villanueva de and the Church-Convent of the los Infantes, dating from the Franciscan Nuns. Attractive old Roman period. The town homes and mansions abound. preserves one of the most outstanding collection of Villamanrique is found near the monuments in La Mancha. town . It is Adorning the Plaza Mayor is the bathed by the waters of the Church of San Andrés. One of Guadalén river. The Church of the interior of the San Andrés, with Gothic traces church contains the tomb of the and Renaissance accents, can be great Spanish poet Francisco de admired in the town center.

Church of San Andrés in Villanueva de los Infantes CUENCA

Cuenca was known during the Arab occupation as al Kunka. In September 1177, Alfonso VIII subdued the city for the Christians. Five years later it became a Bishop’s see. During Cathedral the last half of the 13th century it received the title of city from sculpture. Owned by the Juan Alfonso X “the Wise”, and March Foundation, the during the lower Middle Ages, permanent collection includes it lived its years of maximum works by Chillida, Miralles, splendor. Tápies and Zóbel, among others. Installed in the Casa del Curato (2) Cuenca can be reached by the is the Provincial Museum, with N-400 road from Tarancón, a interesting Gothic remains. town situated along the N-III. Nearby stands the Gothic Church The N-320 connects Cuenca with of San Pedro (3). The baroque the cities of Guadalajara and has also left its imprint in Albacete. The N-420 leads to Cuenca with the Church of San Teruel in lower Aragón. Felipe Neri (4), the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de las Declared a World Heritage Site Angustias (5) and the Church by the UNESCO, the city of of El Salvador (6), the main Cuenca is dramatically set parish church in the 19th century. between two gorges carved by Several interesting altarpieces the Júcar and Huécar rivers. are to be found in the interior. The city’s chief symbols are the famous Hanging Houses (Casas Just strolling around the historic Colgadas) (1). Originally civil old quarter is the best way to baroque architecture from the enjoy the city. The myriad of 18th century, they were restored th at the beginning of the 20 Torre Mangana century. First built as a palace and later used as the Town Hall, they are now property of the city. Today they house the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art which displays a magnificent collection of Spanish contemporary and

23 Júcar del JÚCAR 3 N Pl. del Castillo Pte. de Tr a b uco CUENCA los Descalzos Ronda edro P DEL 5 San Bolos Plaza San Lázaro de Pl. San

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1 Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas). Museum of Spanish Abstract Art 2 Casa del Curato. Provincial Museum 3 Church of San Pedro 4 Church of San Felipe Neri 5 Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias 6 Church of El Salvador 7 Church of San Miguel 8 Torre Mangana 9 Cathedral 10 Bishop´s Palace 11 Diocesan Museum 12 Convent of San Pablo

i Tourist Information

Hanging Houses monuments deserve the visitor’s unhurried attention. Among the attractions, the convents and churches are interesting, especially the Church of San Miguel (7), a harmonious blend of different styles, including Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance. The Torre Mangana (8) is another artistic symbol of the city, forming part of the old Moorish fortress. Church of San Miguel One of the great historic treasures of Cuenca is its Cathedral (9) devoted to Nuestra Señora de Convent of San Pablo (12), now Gracia, situated on one side of a Parador de Turismo hotel. the Plaza Mayor. Construction It can be reached by a road was begun at the end of the heading out from the modern 12th century, continuing with quarter of the city, beyond the the first stages of the Gothic. fertile banks of the river. The Gothic style can be There is also an iron footbridge especially admired in the spanning the gorge between interior. The last additions were the high part of the old quarter, not finished until the beginning descending from the Hanging of the 20th century. The Houses and leading to the cathedral’s ground plan was Convent-Parador. a cross with a nave and The footbridge affords an aisle on either side except a lovely view of Cuenca. in the , where there is a single nave. In 1902, the Giraldo Museum of Spanish Abstract Art tower collapsed affecting the (Museo de Arte Abstracto Español) main facade and led to the Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas) construction of the present * 969 21 29 83 neo-Gothic one. Diocesan Museum Adjacent to the Cathedral are the (Museo Diocesano Catedralicio) Bishop’s Palace (10) and Diocesan Obispo Valero * 969 21 20 11 Museum (11) displaying treasures Provincial Museum (Museo of religious art. Provincial). Obispo Valero, 6 * 969 21 30 69 Opposite the Cathedral, looking www.cuenca.org over the Huécar river, is the

25 The Lands of Beteta source of the Cuervo river (nacimiento del Cuervo), within In northern Cuenca province, the township of Vega del embracing the route of the Codorno. The Health Spa Alto Tajo, extends a rural (Balneario) Solán de Cabras is region, bordered by the noted for its mineral and Guadiela river. These are the medicinal waters and has Lands of Beteta. Valleys become the ideal starting point carpeted with dense layers of for visiting the lookouts called pine trees, deep gorges and the “Rey” (King) and “Reina” spacious plateaus accompany (Queen). Beyond Beteta gorge the visit. The town of Beteta is a route through lovely valleys lies at the foot of the ruins of leading to the towns of the Moorish Rochafrida castle. Cañizares, set on the slope of a Formerly Vetera, the town can small hill; Fuertescusa, with an trace its origins back to the interesting 18th century church; Roman period. Some remains Cañamares, principal producer of the ancient walls and gates of wicker in the region; and are still preserved in the Priego, a town of Roman town center. origin superbly situated above the Escabas, a trout river Heading south, the traveler par-excellence. encounters the Hoz de Beteta, a narrow gorge carved out of Near Cañaveruelas, on the limestone rocks through which banks of the Buendía reservoir the Guadiela river runs. bounded by La Alcarria of An exceptionally beautiful spot Guadalajara, we find the Roman with a series of cascades is the ruins of Ercávica. At one time it was a Roman city important enough to have a mint. Today it Priego is an archeological park displaying a small part of its former splendor.

To the southeast, a few kilometers from Uña, is Ciudad Encantada, literally “Enchanted City”, an unusual geological phenomenon. It is not a city at all but a group of rock formations which have been sculpted into whimsical shapes

26 Uclés and Alarcón

The knightly in La Mancha chose Uclés as its headquarters. From the first decades of the 12th century, it Roman Theater in Segóbriga played a fundamental role in the battles of the Christian Reconquest of Spain. Three through years of erosion by the centuries later, the construction wind and water on the of a monastery was begun, limestone rocks. The rocks have nicknamed “El Escorial of taken on surprising shapes, so La Mancha”. (El Escorial is the much so that they have acquired massive monastery built by their own special names: Felipe II in the outskirts of “Sea of Stone,” “Roman Madrid.) The monastery in Bridge”, “Elephant Fighting a Uclés is built around a beautiful Crocodile”, the “Tortoise”, two-story square courtyard. “The Bears” and “High Boulder”. On the main facade, attention should focus on the Churrigeresque-style portal with a sculpture of the Apostle St. James. ( was the name given to an extremely ornate style of baroque architecture named after its originator, José Churriguera.) The church was built on at the northern wing. Two towers flank the entrance leading to a

Uña Lagoon preserved of the ancient thermal baths and circus. Another Roman city was Valeria, which still preserves part of an aqueduct and some streets and squares of the forum.

At the geographical limits of La Mancha in Cuenca province lies the historical town of Alarcón, set between deep gorges of the Júcar river. Its castle, witness to important historical events Monastery of Uclés during the period of the Christian Reconquest, has been converted into a Parador de single nave. The chapels are Turismo hotel. Adorning the of particular interest. Plaza Mayor, dedicated to the memory of prince Don Juan The archeological park of Manual, are the Church of San Segóbriga recalls the Juan Bautista and the Town Hall importance the Roman (Ayuntamiento). settlement formerly enjoyed. Today, its Roman ruins are the setting of theater performances in spring and summer. The theater had a capacity of two thousand spectators, while the amphitheater held double this amount. Remains are also

Castle of Alarcón Roman city of Valeria GUADALAJARA restored after it was severely damaged during the Spanish The primitive Roman settlement Civil War, presently houses the of Arriaca became known as Museum, Provincial Archives Wad-al-Hayara or “river of and Public Library. This splendid stones” during the Arab palace is the most emblematic occupation. Alfonso VII granted building in Guadalajara. It was it special rights and privileges commissioned by Íñigo López in 1133, which were later de Mendoza and designed by expanded by Fernando III and the architect Juan Guas. Alfonso X. The city acquired its Its unusual Renaissance facade maximum splendor during the contrasts with the interior patio, 15th and 16th centuries. also called the Lion’s courtyard At that time, king Juan II because of the fanciful animals granted authority over the city sculpted in stone. to the Marquis of Santillana, Íñigo López de Mendoza. Other important monuments are the Gothic-Mudéjar style Guadalajara sits right off the Parish Church of Santiago (6), N-II road, known as the Autovía the Church of La Piedad (7) with de Aragón. The N-320 connects a portal, and the the capital to Cuenca via the Cathedral of Santa María la lower Alcarria and the Buendía Mayor (8), built in the Mudéjar reservoir. The N-320 links style and reformed in the 17th Guadalajara with northern century. The entranceway is Madrid by the N-I. adorned by elegant columns. Inside, the high altar is profusely The Palacio de Don Antonio de decorated. Guadalajara also has Mendoza (1) is now a teaching other religious monuments, such institution. Of interest in the interior is the courtyard, one of Guadalajara's Town Hall the most notable examples of the Plateresque style in the Community. (Plateresque is an ornate form of Renaissance architecture in Spain.) The of La Piedad (2) and the Churches of San Ginés (3) and Los Remedios (4) are some good examples of religious architecture in the city. The Palacio del Infantado (5),

29 da lle de Alfonso Núñez de A de GOZA Calle Francisco Medina Barcelona Chorró A. alencia DEL V BAL Calle de ARRA DE C. Plaza de C. Plaza de Fernándo

GUADALAJARA Padre Bejanque de Sa Roque Abad Blanco P ASEO DEL CAPITAN C. Bernardo Plaza de enida Creus Calle de la Mina José de Creeff Av Calle de Calnuevas Parque de la

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Y CAJAL M. P. Xaramillo s Rufino Torreón Calle C. o del Alamín C. Plaza de P de W. Argumosa edro CALLE DE AMPARO Soledad Sta. Mária Pascual la 8 RAMÓN Subdelegación Cuesta del Gobierno de 9 S. Miguel Plaza de 3 de Plazuela Santo Domingo

Calle Marqués de C. Villamejor Capitan C. Calle BarrionuevoP ASEO DEL DOCTOR FERNÁNDEZ IPARRAGUIRRE Calle CALLE B. Domingo Calderón Chavarri uan B. Topete Calle Virgen Cuesta J Mayor ZA Dr. Plaza EN Gral. Prim Plaza de Serrada Benito 10 Jardinillo Santo Plaza SIGU de T eniente Toros Centro Cívico Arenas Calle DE MARIÑO Hernando Municipal Iglesia del Carmen Geranio 2 Cervantes Rosal Medrano Ayuntamiento CALLE Figueroa C. DR. Angel Martín Puebla 1 C. 6 M. de Aragón DE MAYORAL C. Manuel NGENIERO S. CUESTA DELDE MATADERO MENDOZA Calle E Z T 7 Juan Á L orres Plaza Z Calle de Pastrana N C. de Mayor Calle O Iglesia de G 5 San Antonio DE MIGUEL FLUITERSDios Ntra. Sra. de C. C. DEL I Luis VENIDA C. la Antígua Fuiters A Plaza de Caidos de Atienza

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1 Palacio de don Antonio de Mendoza i Tourist Information 2 Chapel of La Piedad 3 Church of San Ginés 4 Church of Los Remedios 5 Palacio del Infantado 6 Church of Santiago 7 Church of La Piedad 8 Cathedral of Santa María la Mayor 9 Chapel of Luis Lucena 10 Church of San Nicolás el Real

Palacio del Infantado La Alcarria

Numerous Spanish writers have found their inspiration in La Alcarria. The region’s singularity is illustrated by the charming villages which form it, by its rich artistic legacy and the dense architectural heritage. La Alcarria is a land of contrasts, Church of San Nicolás in Guadalajara high spacious plains, extensive countryside carpeted by fertile farmlands, slender valleys and as the Mudéjar-style Chapel of steep slopes. Luis Lucena (9), and the baroque Jesuit Church of San Nicolás el In the past, Torija was an Real (10). Also meriting a visit is important strategic site as the the Fuerte de San Francisco, a natural passageway from the modernist-style building, sub-meseta to Aragón. formerly the military Equestrian Its medieval castle houses the Society of Engineers, and the ethnographic museum devoted Provincial Museum which to La Alcarria. On display inside houses collections from the are various editions of the book requisitions resulting from the Journey to La Alcarria (Viaje a secularization of Church la Alcarria) by the Spanish property by Mendizábal. Nobel prizewinner in literature, Camilo José Cela. To one side of San Roque park stands the pantheon of the Situated in the valley of Tajuña Duchess of Sevillano, built in is Brihuega, in the heart of 1887. The ground plan is in the La Alcarria. The old fortified shape of a Greek cross crowned town is a maze of narrow streets. by a and cross. The In the outskirts is the historical interior is somewhat austere. Royal Cloth Factory (Real Fábrica de Paños). Chronicles affirm that king Alfonso VI began the Provincial Museum of Guadalajara (Museo Provincial) Castle of Torija Palacio del Infantado Plaza de los Caídos * 949 21 33 01 www.guadalajara.interactiva.org

31 Reconquest of Guadalajara, Madrid, Talavera and Toledo here.

Not far from Trijueque is the town of Hita, home of Juan Ruiz, the Archpriest and author of the Book of Good Love (Libro del Buen Amor). The most View of Pastrana notable feature in Hita is its porticoed Plaza Mayor. Cifuentes, located between the valleys of the Tajo and Tajuña The main square of Cogolludo rivers, acts as the head of the is presided over by the splendid region of La Alcarria. A castle Palacio Ducal. The facade of rises on one of the two hills the palace is rusticated ashlar enclosing the hamlet. masonry with six large profusely Cifuentes take its name from the decorated windows on the numerous springs in the vicinity. upper story. Blazoned over the The handsome Plaza Mayor entranceway is the duke’s coat merits a leisurely visit. of arms. The most important church in Cogolludo is Santa The town of Pastrana boasts a María, Gothic in style with Palacio Ducal, its most diaphanous interior aisles. representative monument. This grand 16th century palace Jadraque is set on one side of is flanked by two large towers. the Henares valley. The most It was formerly the residence notable feature in the village is of the princess of Éboli, a the castle which stands on a distinguished figure at the pronounced hill. At the foot of court of Felipe II. Standing on the hill, the village unfolds. the square is the Town Hall In the medieval quarter, the (Ayuntamiento) and the Church of San Juan Bautista Collegiate Church of Nuestra can be admired. Señora de la Asunción which houses an important museum of paintings and sculptures.

Museo de la Alcarria (La Alcarria Museum) Castillo de Torija * 949 88 75 00

Royal Cloth Factory in Brihuega

32 Sigüenza's Cathedral

La Serranía preserves the Casas de los (Sigüenza and Atienza) Canónigos with a row of balconies and galleries; the Northwest of Guadalajara, near Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) and the valley of the Henares river, the gate called Puerta del Toril. two towns stand out, Sigüenza The Romanesque Church of and Atienza. During the San Vicente, the 13th century Visigothic period, Sigüenza Cistercian Parish Church of became the see of a bishop. Santiago with a Romanesque Over one hundred bishops have doorway and the Casa del passed through there since then. Doncel, a mansion with a Gothic The town’s abundant patrimony facade, also deserve the visitor’s was declared a historic-artistic attention. complex in 1965. Atienza acts as head of the Sigüenza has a perfectly highland region. A rich medieval preserved old quarter with history and monumental legacy numerous traces of its can be admired here. interesting medieval past. th The city is overlooked by a 12 Castle of Atienza century medieval castle (now a Parador de Turismo hotel). The Cathedral is another of the singular monuments. Begun in 1130 by French stonemasons in the Romanesque style, it was continued afterwards along Gothic lines. One of its chapels contains the lovely sculpted figure known as the “Doncel” (squire to Isabella, the Catholic). The Renaissance Plaza Mayor

33 Black slate architecture in Majaelrayo

Its privileged location made south lies the village of Atienza an important strategic Majaelrayo, beginning of the site in the past and marked the route of Black Architecture, dividing line between the two featuring rural hamlets Castiles. The castle, “peña muy constructed with dark-colored fuerte”, mentioned in El Cantar slate. del Mío Cid (The Poem of ), overshadows the city. Off the main track of these Also of interest are the Church itineraries, on the other side of of Santa María del Rey, the the province of Guadalajara in Romanesque Churches of El the eastern portion, the Salvador and San Gil. This latter picturesque town of Molina church houses the Museum of de Aragón can be found. Religious Art, with paintings, The town is crowned by an sculpture and gold and silver impressive medieval castle works from the town’s old and a solid circuit of walls. churches. The Plaza del Trigo is On the highest part of the hill considered one of the loveliest stands the Torre de Aragón, a in Castile. defensive tower which provides a good view of the surrounding In the northern part of the countryside. Religious buildings province lies Tierra de Ayllón, include the Church of San a wild mountainous area where Martín, situated next to the villages devoted to agriculture Palacio del Virrey de Manila. and livestock have prospered. Close to the borders of Segovia and Soria provinces, the town Cathedral Museum of Cantalojas is one of the (Museo Catedralicio) entranceways to the nature Cathedral of Sigüenza park called Parque Natural del * 949 39 05 48 Hayedo de Tejera Negra. To the

34 TOLEDO

Toledo is Castilla-La Mancha’s monumental jewel and one of Spain’s greatest artistic treasures. The UNESCO has deservedly declared it a World Heritage Site. Hemmed in by the gorge of the Tajo river, the old quarter encapsulates most of Bridge of Alcántara the historic sights in the city. A wealth of architectural structures evokes the city’s Arab characterized by a multitude of legacy, as well as Renaissance, entrance gates. Of special Mudéjar and Gothic interest are the Puerta de achievements. In fact, the city of Alfonso VI (1), of Arab origin the “three cultures” (Christian, and the (2). Islamic, Hebrew), as it was This latter gate served as the historically called, received main entranceway to the city for during many centuries the title many years. Two massive round of imperial capital. towers flank the entrance and above the arch, a superb coat of Toledo can be reached via the arms of emperor Charles V can N-401 road originating in be admired. Other important Madrid and continuing on to gates include the Puerta de Ciudad Real. The N-400 comes Alcántara (3) and the Puerta de out of Aranjuez, and the N-403 Cambrón (4). The defensive connects with the Autovía N-V. character of the city is displayed in the bridge of Alcántara (4), The circuit of walls around the built by the Romans, and in the city already existed during the bridge of San Martín (6). Roman period, but the Arabs These entranceways lead to completed their present design, steep narrow streets that wind up at busy squares like the Puerta de Bisagra Plaza de Zocodover.

Nearby stands the . The Renaissance building was commissioned by Cardinal Pedro González de Mendoza for a hospital. Today it

35 Porto SO VI Glorieta de la FON Reconquista AL 17

Pº Canónigos 2 C. Pl. 1 8 Real Antequeruela TOLEDO P¼. Circo Romano CABA Airosas Azacanes 9 LA de DE Ermita de la del Virgen de la Estrella de Gerardo Lobo AVDA. Arrabal Calle Calle RECAREDO Cristo Puerta de Granja Bab Al Mardum 5 3 de la ARCEPalacio DE de Casa de Subida Sto. Domingo Benacazón DE la Cultura el Real Sta. Clara la Pl. S. 7 Agustín ASEO Pl. de la Buzones Luz P Sillería Convento Merced C. C. Sta. Fe Museo de

DE Pl. Sta. NÚÑEZ C. la Pl. de la 4 Carmelitas Clara ARMAS Sta. Cruz REAL LA ALFILERITOS Concepción Descalzas Aljibes 10 MERCED LOS CALLE Santo Domingo C. Pl. de M. CERVANTES Pl. Sta. Leocadia el Antiguo 19 Pl. S. Plata Zocodover UNIÓN Teresa de Cta. Sta. Vicente C. la Comercio

Jesús Col. G. de la Vega C. Cta. Alfereces Pl. de Casa de Mezquita Padilla Pl. de la de S. Mesa de las Tornerias Palacio de Pl. de la Pl. S. Magdalena DoncellasPortada de Pl. de S. Gines Pl. T CARLOS V la Cava Virgen de Amador de rastamara S. Clemente Román 18 Cuatro Gracia Román los Ríos C. A. X EL SABIO Calles 20 Cava C. Baja 12 las S. Clemente Palo OERNERIAS H.de T REYES Bulas Plaza II Teatro C. X Mayor Rojas so Palacio MOSCARDÓ DEL Alfon 16 ÁNGEL C. Arzobispal Pascuales La Judería Pl. S. 22 Posada de la Hermandad 13 Antonio Sto.TOMÉ S. Marcos Pl. del Locum

Sta. Pl. de el Pedro S. CATÓLICOS Ayuntamiento C. CISNEROS Ana 11 Salvador Taller del Ayuntamiento Moro Pl. San 6 Dios 21 MoroSta. C. Justo Justo del Cta. S. de Palacio de Úrsula Conservatorio CABESTREROS Fuensalida DEL Pl. de las Juan Isabel a Marcos ri S. 14 Fuentes Iglesia la all. S. e T C. San Justo d P¼ DEL Sta. POZO Can

TRÁNSITO de Pl. Sta. S Alcahoz 15 . DE N RêO Isabel BAJADA la

Cistobal AMARGO Convento Parra Gilitos S. Pl. S. P¼ C. Plegade Lucas Pl. Sta. DEL Cortes de Los Descalzos Catalina Palacio de Suer

Pl. del ASEO Castilla-La Mancha S. Torcuato Téllez de Meneses Calvario Pl. S. P Cipriano

1 Puerta de Alfonso VI 14 El Tránsito Synagogue. 2 Puerta de Bisagra 3 Puerta de Alcántara 15 House-Museum of Victorio Macho 4 Puerta del Cambrón 16 Cathedral Primate 5 Bridge of Alcántara 17 Puerta Nueva de Bisagra 6 Bridge of San Martín 18 Church of San Ildefonso 7 Mosque of Cristo de la Luz 19 Palacio de Lorenzana 8 Church of Santiago del Arrabal 20 Alcázar 9 Church of Cristo de la Vega 21 House-Museum of 10 Church of San Vicente 22 Museum of 11 Church of Santo Tomé Contemporary Art 12 Church of San Román 13 Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca i Tourist Information

Alcázar Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca is considered one of the most The Church of San Román (12) important provincial museums houses the Museum of the in Spain. Of particular interest Councils and Visigothic Culture. are the collections of paintings by the masters of the 15th The cultural diversity that through 17th centuries, coexisted in Toledo is attested especially the El Greco by the synagogues, such as collection. Santa María la Blanca (13), the oldest one, inspired by the The Mezquita del Cristo de la art of the “Almohades” from Luz (7), built before the the Maghreb. El Tránsito Christian Reconquest, is a replica Synagogue (14) houses the of Córdoba’s famous mosque. Sephardic Museum. In the Also important are the Mudéjar interior, the Great Prayer Room churches of Santiago del Arrabal should be visited to admire its (8), near the Puerta de Bisagra. fine coffered ceiling and walls According to chroniclers, it was decorated with plaster tracery. founded in the 11th century as The synagogue is next to the an Arab mosque. From that period, a free-standing tower Church of Cristo de la Vega remains, an old from the 12th century, now a bell tower. Other notable churches are the ones devoted to Cristo de la Vega (9) and San Vicente (10). In the small Church of Santo Tomé (11), El Greco’s masterpiece The Burial of the Count of Orgaz is displayed.

37 and later, a great mosque. Throughout the centuries, it was consecrated as the Church of Santa María until it became a cathedral. The temple is enriched by a variety of different styles, although the Gothic predominates on the facade as well as in the interior Church of Santo Tomé with its central nave and double aisles on each side. It has twenty-two chapels and houses House-Museum of Victorio a rich collection of sculptures Macho (15), a sculptor who and paintings by El Greco, Lucas worked in Toledo following Jordán, Juan de Borgoña, Van realist trends prevalent before Dyck, Tristán and Goya. Facing the . Nearby, at the Cathedral stand the Bishop’s the edge of the Jewish quarter, Palace and the Town Hall. is the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, a monument in which From Toledo’s vast artistic the Gothic style was used in all heritage, examples of its forms and possibilities. Renaissance architecture are to be admired, such as the gate The Cathedral Primate (16) of called Puerta Nueva de Spain is an extraordinary Bisagra (17). Pertaining to the monument displaying great Baroque are the Church of San originality in its construction. Ildefonso (18) and the Palacio First, it was a Visigothic temple de Lorenzana (19), seat of the University. The Alcázar (20) stands on the highest point of the city. This citadel houses the Military Museum and the second largest public library in Spain, after Madrid’s National Library.

Toledo's Cathedral The House-Museum of El Greco (21) contains an array of paintings and memorabilia of the great artist who immortalized the city of Toledo in his art. Another interesting place to visit is the Museum of Contemporary Art (22) with works by Spanish painters including Antonio López, Castle of Consuegra Alberto Sánchez, Arredondo and Benjamín Palencia. The Castle Route On the opposite bank of the Tajo, which the Toledans Few provinces in Spain can boast popularly call the valley, there as many castles and fortresses as are paths leading to lookout Toledo. Towns displaying points with beautiful views of vestiges of the invasions, battles the city. This area is scattered and conquests that took place with “cigarrales”, a name in these Castilian lands are given to the country homes in numerous. There is even a this area. tourist route to the strongholds of Toledo located primarily in the southern part of the province. Many of the castles were built by Arab legions as watch posts during the Christian raids, such as the one in . In the Museum of the Cathedral Treasury 11th century, this castle (Museo del Tesoro Catedralicio) underwent a series of reforms Arco de Palacio, 2 * 925 22 22 41 giving it a fortress-like Contemporary Art Museum appearance with its barbican (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo) and keep. The castle in Bulas * 925 22 78 71 Mascaraque was also built Church of Santo Tomé during the period of Arab Plaza del Conde * 925 25 60 98 domination. In Mora de Toledo, Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca the castle received the name of “Peñas Negras” and was given Reyes Católicos, 4 * 925 22 72 57 by Alfonso VIII to the knightly www.toledo.org Order of Santiago in 1175. The stronghold at Manzaneque,

39 interest is the castle in Los Yébenes, as well as the ones in Orgaz and Sonseca, both built in the 12th century. In Maqueda, the castle is located on the outskirts of the urban center. The moat, square ground plan and five round towers are the most interesting features.

Castle of Orgaz built in the 15th century by Íñigo de Arévalo, has resisted well the passage of time. Other illustrious fortresses include the one in Consuegra, pertaining to the first years of the Christian Reconquest. Given during the reign of Alfonso VIII to a brotherhood, founders of the Gran Priorato de la Mancha, this castle has a double circuit of walls and various large towers. Also of

Castle of Maqueda and Oropesa

Talavera de la Reina, famous for its pottery, is the largest city in the province of Toledo. During the Roman period, it took the name of Caesaerobriga and later, the called it Ebora. It has always been a rich Roman bridge in Talavera de la Reina agricultural and livestock center, and its traditional livestock fairs attest to this fact. The most outstanding monuments are the Finally, Oropesa is another of bridge of Santa Catalina, also the illustrious towns in Toledo known as the old or Roman province. In the 15th century, it bridge, and the Bishop’s Palace became a countship by a grant (Palacio Arzobispal), built in from the Catholic Monarchs. the 17th century in the baroque The old quarter is an irregular style and located on the Plaza pattern of streets on which del Plan, nerve center of the various religious and civil city. Also worth visiting are the buildings can be seen, including Collegiate Church of Santa the 12th century castle, now María la Mayor, from the late a Parador de Turismo hotel. 12th century; the Colegio Also meriting visits are the Cervantes with a Renaissance Parish Church of La Asunción, portal, and the Mudéjar the Jesuit Church of San Church of Santiago, with Bernardo and the Colegio Gothic influences. de los Jesuitas.

Castle of Oropesa LEISURE AND EVENTS

Fairs and Festivals Apostles dresses up to portray the Apostles and Jesus and take Many are the traditional fairs part in the procession. Also and festivals held throughout interesting are the Corpus Castilla-La Mancha, but none is festivals in Valverde de los as solemn as Corpus Christi in Arroyos in Guadalajara Toledo, declared of province, where they organize International Tourist Interest. the Octava del Corpus with One of the most famous ancient dances like the Paloteo, processions in Spain passes the Cintas and the Perucha. through ancient streets and by balconies adorned with cloaks Other celebrations of of flowers, tapestries woven in International Tourist Interest in thyme and rosemary and the Community of Castilla-La hanging lanterns. The covered Mancha are “Semana Santa” exterior walls of Toledo’s (Holy Week) and the Week of Cathedral present a lovely Religious Music of Cuenca held background. The night before during or around Easter. During the procession, the route is several days, medieval Cuenca inaugurated by the local provides the background for a authorities. The Grand Week solemn procession which starts of Corpus is celebrated in out at the main churches. connection with this festival The streets are taken over by the with intense participation by the turbas, groups of penitents with townspeople of Toledo. Corpus drums and trumpets who walk Christi is also held in Guadalajara, backwards reciting the words where the Brotherhood of the of Jesus on his way to the Cross. Corral de Comedias in Almagro Classical music groups from all over Europe converge in Cuenca during the Week of Religious Music.

Holy Week is also observed brilliantly in Toledo with colorful penitent stations, as well as in the towns of Hellín and Tobarra in Albacete Medieval Festival in Hita province, famous for their tamborradas (as many as 5,000 Carnaval, a form of Mardi Gras, drummers play continuously is enthusiastically celebrated for over 100 hours). Both throughout the region. In festivals have been declared Albacete, the festivities are of National Tourist Interest. particularly original. The Thursday before Lent is the The origin of the centuries-old famous Jueves Lardero, where festival of La Caballada in tradition dictates the festivities Atienza can be attributed to include a picnic to the country. king Alfonso VIII. The “romería” Other famous “Carnavales” (celebration held near a shrine) include those in Herencia and takes place at the Hermitage of Miguelturra. In Alcázar de San the Estrella on Whitsunday. Juan, “Carnaval” is held in In Hita, each July, they December instead of February. commemorate the works of the great author and poet The traditional Mayos are Juan Ruiz, the Archpriest. celebrated in a good part of La The Medieval Festival is Mancha, in particular the Cuencan reminiscent of the minstrel towns of and ambience the town probably Belinchón. A popular “romería” enjoyed during the 11th century. in the springtime is the one organized every year in Toledo in In , honor of the Virgen del Valle. near the Roman ruins of Segóbriga in Cuenca province, Especially noteworthy in Ciudad the first days of February are Real is “La Pandorga” which witness to the popular takes place on July 31st. La Endiablada (Festival of the The festival has been declared Bewitched) where religious of regional tourist interest and elements mix with merrymaking is celebrated in honor of the and feasting. patroness, the “Virgen del Prado”.

43 During the last weekend in October, the Toledan town of Consuegra holds the “Rosa del Azafrán” festival. Among the folkloric events, there are contests in which the expert hands of the local women separate the stigmas from the flower of the saffron plant. Local Cuisine In Almagro, theater lovers of the comic and dramatic genres many of the desserts and have an annual engagement ancient recipes. at the International Classical Theater Festival. The date is In Cuenca, the dish par- between the second and third excellence is the “morteruelo”, week of July. a different paté from the one in Guadalajara, made with ground pork liver, game (hare, Cuisine rabbit or partridge), hen, Serrano ham, lard, nuts and a The cuisine is another variety of spices (cinnamon, temptation the visitor will find clove, caraway seed, pepper and in Castilla-La Mancha. paprika). No less tempting to The diversity of the land allows the palate are the “ajoarriero” the visitor to relish the delicious (salted cod and potatoes) and meats, as well as the tasty trout “atascaburras”, a puree or crab from the abundant rivers made with salted cod, garlic in the region. In Albacete, the and potato. tasty gazpacho made with a crunchy flatbread has merited The gastronomy in Toledo does fame. Other dishes are not differ essentially. The great mountain rabbit and hare; Spanish author Lope de Vega “migas” (fried breadcrumbs) praised it highly in his La Noche and “gachas” (a kind of hasty Toledana. Alexander Dumas also pudding). In Guadalajara, lamb wrote that Toledo was the and kid are savored; fine trout Spanish city where he had eaten and crab, without forgetting the the best. In fact, Toledo is a “morteruelo serrano”, a type of province rich in game, and paté of blended meats to spread consequently, the most well- on toasted bread. Honey from known dishes are the Toledo- La Alcarria appears in a good style partridge, marinated boar,

44 pickled trout and “cuchifrito” La Mancha make cheese from (crunchy fried pieces of suckling the half million sheep raised on pig). Toledo is also famous for these plains. The wines from its sweets. Prize-winning Castilla-La Mancha have earned marzipan and “turron” (nougat) their fame. In this region, there from Sonseca, “melindres” are five different controlled (lady-finger biscuits) from Yepes, wine-producing areas, but “yemas” (small egg-yolk cakes) perhaps the most famous is from Illescas, “Delicias de Mora” Valdepeñas. Vineyards can be and “Dulcineas” from El Toboso found throughout Montiel are some of the most appetizing and Calatrava. sweet treats. Handicrafts Finally, the cuisine of Ciudad Real, immortalized by Cervantes, The crafts tradition in the region also has its main source of is as long as it is varied in its inspiration in game dishes. production. Ceramics from The “pistos” (sautéed tomatoes, Talavera de la Reina and Puente zucchini, peppers and onion del Arzobispo in Toledo province, served with scrambled eggs), are probably the most famous in “asadillo” (roast skinned the region. The embroidery and peppers and tomatoes with lace from the Toledan region garlic), eggplant, “migas” (fried of Jara have also acquired breadcrumbs), “gachas” (a type great prestige. The towns of of hasty pudding), along with and Oropesa form “galianos” (shepard’s soup part of handicraft history made with broth and fried unleavened bread) and Ceramics in Talavera de la Reina “gazpachos manchegos” (mixed game paté), as well as lamb stews are excellent choices on the menu crowned by “tiznao”, a simmered stew prepared from roasted products.

Two products symbolize the gastronomy 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

45 with their colorful and Cuenca, artisan activity is being prestigious embroidered linens reborn with work in wood, such and tablecloths. The as the objects made by veteran manufacture of swords in carpenters in Landete, Iniesta Toledo forms part of a tradition and Belmonte. Taxidermy is dating back to the Middle Ages. extended throughout the The majority of the production Autonomous Community today is earmarked for the because of the hunting in tourist industry, although sabers numerous regions. Some of the are made for various armies best taxidermists work in Mota around the world. del Cuervo in Cuenca province. Wicker is another of the ways No less emblematic are the that Cuenca has to express its famous knives from Albacete. fondness for handcrafted items. Knifemaking is a tradition which The livelihood of towns such as dates back to the Moors and has Priego, Tarancón and Horcajo maintained its extraordinary de Santiago owe a good deal quality and craftsmanship to the to wickerwork. present day. The manufacture of bronze in Riópar also merits Guadalajara province is a land mentioning. of numerous handicraft enclaves. Worth mentioning are The most characteristic craft in the pottery, ceramics and brass the province of Ciudad Real is from Sigüenza, Cifuentes and the intricate art of bobbin Brihuega. lacemaking in Almagro, an activity extending lately to other towns in the province. Also in

Handcrafted wicker in Priego

46 USEFUL INFORMATION

International Telephone Prefix: 34 Albacete N-301, Km 251. 02000 Albacete Tourist Information: * 967 24 53 21. Fax 967 24 32 71 TURESPAÑA e-mail: [email protected] 901 300 600 www.tourspain.es Almagro Ronda San Francisco, 31 Dirección General de Turismo, 13270 Almagro (Ciudad Real) Comercio y Artesanía * 926 86 01 00. Fax 926 86 01 50 Avenida Río Estenilla, s/n e-mail: [email protected] 45071 Toledo * 925 26 78 00. Fax 925 26 94 70 Cuenca www.jccm.es Paseo Hoz del Huécar 16001 Cuenca LOCAL TOURIST OFFICES * 969 23 23 20. Fax 969 23 25 34 Albacete. Posada del Rosario e-mail: [email protected] Calle del Tinte, 2 * 967 58 05 22 Manzanares Ciudad Real. Calle Alarcos, 21 Autovía de Andalucía, Km 174 * 926 21 20 03 13200 Manzanares (Ciudad Real) Cuenca. Plaza Mayor * 926 61 04 00. Fax 926 61 09 35 * 969 23 21 19 e-mail: [email protected] Guadalajara. Plaza de los Caídos, 6 * 949 21 16 26 Oropesa Toledo. Puerta de Bisagra Plaza Palacio, 1 * 925 22 08 43 45560 Oropesa (Toledo) * 925 43 00 00. Fax 925 43 07 77 PARADOR DE TURISMO HOTELS e-mail: [email protected] Reservation Center: Calle Requena, 3 Sigüenza 28013-Madrid Plaza del Castillo * 91 516 66 66 Fax 91 516 66 57 19250 Sigüenza (Guadalajara) www.parador.es * 949 39 01 00. Fax 949 39 13 64 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

Alarcón Toledo Avenida de los Castillos, 3 Cerro del Emperador 16213 Alarcón (Cuenca) 45002 Toledo * 969 33 03 15. Fax 969 33 03 03 * 925 22 18 50. Fax 925 22 51 66 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

47 GENERAL INFORMATION SPANISH TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES ABROAD National Police 091 Local Police 092 CANADA. Toronto. Civil Guard 062 Tourist Office of Spain 2 Bloor Street West Suite 3402 Medical Emergencies: TORONTO, Ontario M4W 3E2 Albacete * 967 21 90 50 * (1416) 961 31 31 Ciudad Real * 926 22 33 22 fax (1416) 961 19 92 Cuenca * 969 22 22 00 e-mail: [email protected] Guadalajara * 949 22 84 81 Toledo * 925 22 22 22 GREAT BRITAIN. London. Spanish Tourist Office TRANSPORT 22-23 Manchester Square LONDON W1M 5AP Renfe (national railways) * (44207) 486 80 77 Information and Reservations: fax (44207) 486 80 34 * 902 24 02 02 e-mail: [email protected] High-speed AVE train Ciudad Real Station JAPAN. Tokyo. General Information: Tourist Office of Spain * 926 22 02 02 Daini Toranomon AVE train. Puertollano Station Denki Bldg.4F. 3-1-10 General Information: Toranomon. Minato-Ku * 926 41 02 02 TOKYO-105 * (813) 34 32 61 41 Buses fax (813) 34 32 61 44 e-mail: [email protected] Albacete * 967 21 60 12 Ciudad Real * 926 21 13 42 RUSSIA. Moscow. Cuenca * 969 22 70 87 Spanish Tourist Office Guadalajara * 949 88 70 94 Tverskaya – 16/2 Business Center Toledo * 925 21 58 50 “Galeria Aktor” 6th floor MOSCOW 103009 * (7095) 935 83 97 fax (7095) 935 83 96 e-mail: [email protected]

48 SINGAPORE. Singapore EMBASSIES IN MADRID Spanish Tourist Office 541 Orchard Road Canada: Nuñez de Balboa, 35 Liat Tower # 09-04 * 91 431 43 00, fax 91 431 23 67 238881 SINGAPORE * (657) 37 30 08 Great Britain: Fernando El fax (657) 37 31 73 Santo, 16 e-mail: [email protected] * 91 319 02 00, fax 91 308 10 33

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Japan: Serrano, 109 Los Angeles * 91 590 76 00, fax 91 590 13 21 Tourist Office of Spain 8383 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 960 Russia: Velazquez, 155 BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90211 * 91 562 22 64, fax 91 562 97 12 * (1323) 658 71 95 fax (1323) 658 10 61 United States of America: e-mail: [email protected] Serrano, 75 * 91 587 22 00, fax 91 587 23 03 Chicago. Tourist Office Of Spain Water Tower Place, suite 915 East 845 North Michigan Avenue CHICAGO, IL 60611 * (1312) 642 19 92 fax (1312) 642 98 17 Text: e-mail: [email protected] Manuel Mateo Pérez Translation: Miami. Tourist Office of Spain J. West Photographs: 1221 Brickell Avenue Turespaña Archives MIAMI, Florida 33131 Graphic Design: * (1305) 358 19 92 Megacolor, S.A. fax (1305) 358 82 23 Published by: e-mail: [email protected] © Turespaña Secretaría de Estado de Comercio y New York.Tourist Office of Spain Turismo 666 Fifth Avenue 35 th floor Ministerio de Economía NEW YORK, N.Y. 10103 Printed by: * (1212) 265 88 22 Grafoffset S.L. fax (1212) 265 88 64 D.L. M. 32882-2001 e-mail:[email protected] NIPO: 380-01-025-5 Printed in Spain

First Edition I Development Fund European Regional EUROPEAN COMMUNITY DE ECONOMÍA MINISTERIO TURESPAÑA GENERAL DETURISMO SECRETARÍA Y TURISMO ESTADO DECOMERCIO SECRETARÍA DE Spain Castilla-La Mancha