The best MTB trails around Mascaraque

Currently, it is not possible to climb to the castle because a tower has collapsed.

Located in the town center of Manzaneque, opposite the Town Hall, in the province of Toledo, its construction is primarily attributed to Don Íñigo de Ávalos (15th century), although the heraldic shields of earlier lineages (Figueroa and Orozco) suggest a possible earlier foundation. In the 14th century, it was owned by Doña María de Orozco and her husband, Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa. It later passed to Ávalos, and in 1487 was acquired by Álvarez de Toledo, secretary to the Catholic Monarchs. Abandoned and in ruins after the 16th and 17th centuries, it was restored in the early 20th century and remodeled in the 1970s, becoming a Site of Cultural Interest in 1985.

Numerous hiking and cycling routes border the reservoir: A circular route from Tembleque, crossing the Sierra de Algodor (~15 mi / 24 km), moderate difficulty, panoramic views, and picnic spots. A mountain bike route from Mora or Turleque to the shore, approximately 13–14 mi (~22 km), ideal for mountain bikes. The shoreline offers viewpoints, peninsular islands accessible in summer, and areas of Mediterranean woodland contrasting with the surrounding cereal fields.

It is located in the municipalities of Tembleque, Mora, Villanueva de Bogas, and Turleque (Toledo), about 5 km from Villanueva de Bogas, on the Algodor River, a tributary of the Tagus. Declared a Wildlife Refuge in September 2020, it boasts high biodiversity, especially of waterfowl and birds of prey.

Located in the Plaza de la Constitución, in the historic Town Hall in the Neo-Mudéjar style, designed by Ezequiel Martín Martín and built between 1927–1928, with a striking brick facade, masonry panels, horseshoe arches and ceramic decorations, culminating in a circular tower topped with a bulbous dome (tiled, from 1930).

Mascaraque Castle is one of the town's main attractions. Origin: It was built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier Muslim fortification. Historical Owners: It was renovated by the Padilla family, who were associated with the Comuneros in the 15th century. Architecture: The keep is a prominent feature, which, according to tradition, was "demolish" (lowered) by order of the Catholic Monarchs after the Revolt of the Comuneros. Interesting Details: Pentacles or Seals of Solomon can be seen on its walls, symbols that fuel legends of protection and mystery. Current Status: It is privately owned, so the interior is not open to the public, but the exterior is impressive and well worth seeing.

Mascaraque stands out for its authentic and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a historical getaway without the crowds. Its historical heritage—centered on the castle, the church, and several hermitages—offers a rich cultural experience alongside a friendly local life. The rural surroundings reinforce this feeling of disconnection: olive groves, vineyards, and nature trails complete the appeal. In short, a destination with its own unique identity, highly valuable for lovers of heritage and charming villages.

The hermitage was built to house the only image saved from the fire that destroyed the parish church on April 23, 1521, during the Revolt of the Comuneros of Castile. This surviving carving was moved from the old chapel dedicated to Saint Christopher, leading to the change of dedication to Our Lady of La Antigua. At the end of the 16th century, it was completely rebuilt in the popular Toledo Baroque style, using threshing floor bricks and quartzite and lime masonry. During the Peninsular War, the French set fire to the hermitage, destroying much of the image; only the original head was preserved, which is now located at the feet of the current carving from 1955.