The best road cycling routes around Almedina

Plaza de España and the Parish Church of Santiago el Mayor: the historical and monumental heart of Torrenueva (Ciudad Real). The Church of Santiago el Mayor is the most prominent monument in Torrenueva and one of the architectural gems of the Campo de Montiel region. It is located in Plaza de España, the town's urban and social center. Its construction began around 1450 and was completed around 1550. It belongs to the Isabelline Gothic style, although it also features Renaissance elements in its ornamentation.

On one side is the Church of Santo Domingo, built in the 17th century following the principles of the Counter-Reformation. Highlights include the main altar with its Baroque altarpiece featuring Solomonic columns. Above it are interesting frescoes depicting Saint Dominic. Among the side chapels, the Chapel of Souls, founded by the Ballesteros family, the Chapel of Ecce Homo, commissioned by the Duke of San Fernando, and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, commissioned by the Bustos family, are particularly noteworthy. However, the most visited site is the convent, or rather, the cell where Francisco de Quevedo died in 1645. Quevedo's cell, open to the public, is the exact spot where the writer passed away shortly after arriving in Villanueva, already very ill. Following the confiscation of church property in 1844, the convent was closed, and today part of the building houses cultural events and a hotel. The opening hours and admission prices are as follows: Opening Hours: Monday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays. Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission: €2 (Reduced: €1).

The Parish Church of Our Lady of the Elms, in Torre de Juan Abad (Ciudad Real), is one of the most emblematic churches in Campo de Montiel, with great historical and artistic value. It was built on the site of a small existing chapel in 1243, a work of the Order of Santiago, whose cross-sword can still be seen in the pediments. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) in 2005.

Santa Cruz de los Cáñamos is a small town in Campo de Montiel (Ciudad Real), ideal for those seeking history, nature, and tranquility. Its roots date back to the Middle Ages, with Roman and early Christian remains on the Torrejones hill (Monte Santo). The name comes from the historical cultivation of hemp, which was very important to the local economy. Parish Church of San Bartolomé: Built in the 15th century with materials from the old castle. Its unique nave, coffered vault, and altarpiece of the Most Holy Christ of Inspiration are notable.

Montiel Castle, also known as the Star Castle, is one of the most important historical sites in Castile-La Mancha. Built by the Arabs in the 9th century, under the name of Munt-Yil, it was part of the defense of the Islamic territory against the Christian advance. It was conquered by the Christians in 1227, after a long siege, and passed into the hands of the Order of Santiago, who made it the center of the Commandery of Campo de Montiel. The Tragedy of Montiel (1369) occurred here, where King Peter I of Castile was assassinated by his brother Henry of Trastámara, with Bertrand Duguesclin famously saying: "I neither remove nor appoint a king, but I help my lord." It is currently in a state of partial ruin, but excavations and guided tours are taking place.

It is located in La Carrasca, about 14 km north of Villahermosa. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd named Juan Cortés on top of an oak tree, from which the name of the sanctuary comes. A hermitage was built on the site of the apparition, which over time became the current sanctuary.

In the Plaza de San Juan, the Hermitage of Cristo de Jamila in Villanueva de los Infantes is a building with a single nave, covered by a lowered barrel vault in three sections with geometric decoration. On the main altar, there is a beautiful sculpture of the Crucified Christ (called Jamila). In addition, a carving of Saint Barbara stands out in the rest of the hermitage. I hope you enjoy exploring this historic place! 😊

The Villanueva de los Infantes Silos have undergone a significant transformation thanks to the Titanes project. Funded by the Ciudad Real Provincial Council, this program seeks to give visibility to the group of people with different abilities through collaboration with internationally renowned mural artists. One of these silos, intervened by the artist Okuda San Miguel, has been converted into an open-air museum. The work, titled Universal Church, represents a universal mosaic made up of flags of non-existent countries, symbolizing the unity of humanity. A fascinating place to visit! 😊