The best cycling routes around Las Mesas

The typical houses of La Mancha in Las Pedroñeras and the surrounding region feature a very distinctive architecture, characterized by functionality and adaptation to the climate and agricultural life. Traditional materials: They were built with rammed earth (compacted mud) and adobe bricks mixed with straw. The roofs were made with poles, reeds, and plaster, and reinforced with green esparto grass ropes. White facades and indigo baseboards: The whitewash served to keep the houses cool and disinfect the walls, while the indigo blue on the baseboards and frames had both a functional and superstitious origin (to ward off insects and evil spirits).

This complex is made up of four lagoons: Manjavacas, Sánchez Gómez, La Dehesilla (in Mota del Cuervo), and Alcahozo (in Pedro Muñoz). It is a key point on the migratory routes of birds between Europe and Africa, which gives it international importance.

The Manjavacas Lagoon, located in the municipality of Mota del Cuervo (Cuenca), is part of the Manjavacas Lagoon Complex, a nature reserve of great ecological and scenic value.

Built in the 15th century by order of Don Juan Pacheco, first Marquis of Villena, the castle is a notable example of Gothic-Mudejar architecture. The castle has been restored and turned into a museum, and is now considered a Site of Cultural Interest. In addition to its rich history, the castle is known for events such as the National Medieval Combat Championship, which is held annually.

The castle was built in 1456 by order of Juan Pacheco, a prominent nobleman during the reign of Henry IV. Its architectural style combines Gothic and Mudejar elements. It has a peculiar triangular plan and a strategic location on the top of a hill. Over the centuries, the castle has witnessed historical events, from visits by the Catholic Monarchs to restorations and cultural events. Today, the castle hosts exhibitions, dramatized tours, medieval combat tournaments and the impressive Trebuchet Park, which displays full-scale siege engines. 😊🏰

Built in the 15th century by order of the first Marquis of Villena, Don Juan Pacheco, it is located on the San Cristóbal hill. Currently the castle is owned by the Ducal House of Peñaranda y Montijo, which through a management company chaired by the Count of Montalvo, Mr. Javier Fitz-James Stuart de Soto, has carried out a final rehabilitation between 2008 and 2016 with which has become a museum and also hosts various events. In the month of May/June, the Historical Recreation Days are held in the Castle, which allow us to see the life of warriors, artisans, doctors, monks, lords or peasants. National and international medieval combat tournaments are also held, a spectacular contact sport with period weapons and armor.

The sanctuary is a construction made of masonry with a hipped tile roof. Inside, it has a rectangular plan with a flat head. The nave is divided into four sections by barely hinted transverse arches that rest on Tuscan ilasters, with a barrel vault and lunettes.

The Castle of Santiago de la Torre, known in the region as Santiaguillo, is a medieval fortress located in the village of the same name. Although after its disappearance it was annexed to the municipality of San Clemente, its heart remains Provencian. This castle is located in the southwest of the province of Cuenca, in the heart of the region of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. Explore this medieval treasure and immerse yourself in its legacy! 🏰🌿