Top 3 Castles around Picón
Best castles around Picón are found within the wider Ciudad Real province, Castile-La Mancha, Spain. This region features historical sites, including fortresses of Islamic origin and medieval structures. The landscape around Picón is characterized by the Guadiana river basin, where many of these historical fortifications are strategically located. These sites offer insights into the area's past, from the Bronze Age through the High Middle Ages.
Best castles around Picón
- The most popular castles is Alarcos Archaeological Park, a historical…
Last updated: July 4, 2026
Alarcos Archaeological Park
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Miraflores Castle
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Views of Alarcos Castle
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The castle is located at the top, built on an artificial platform. It has a rectangular floor plan and nine towers, seven …
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Castillo de Benavente
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Benavente Castle is an ancient fortress located in the municipality of Alcolea de Calatrava. This castle, of Muslim origin, was once owned by the Order of Calatrava. Although only the remains of its walls remain today, it once held great strategic importance. The castle is located near Alarcos Castle and close to the Guadiana River. It was primarily used to collect and store taxes for the Order of Calatrava. Despite its state of disrepair, the castle is mentioned in several historical documents, including papal bulls and contracts from the Order.
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It is part of the Alarcos-Calatrava Archaeological Park. The castle is located at the top, built on an artificial platform. It has a rectangular floor plan and nine towers, seven square and two pentagonal at the bow. It was occupied by Iberians, Romans and Arabs. In 1195 a great battle took place here, the Battle of Alarcos against the Almohads, in which Alfonso VIII had to flee wounded in the leg. After the battle, Alarcos and its surroundings remained in Almohad hands, which delayed the Reconquista for several decades. This Battle took place on the plain that today extends between Alarcos and Poblete.
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Miraflores Castle is a fortress of Islamic origin, dated from ceramic samples to around the 9th-10th centuries, although its chronology extends with various modifications until the 14th century. Built in tabiya and masonry, it is mainly located in the town of Piedrabuena. The first documentary reference to the Miraflores Castle dates back to the 12th century. In a bull from Pope Gregory VIII of November 4, 1187, all the possessions of the Order of Calatrava are confirmed, among which are the castles of Caracuel, Alarcos, Benavente, Ciruela, Malagón, Guadalerza and Piedrabuena.
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In the Park is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Alarcos, a Gothic-style hermitage located in Alarcos, declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1980. Gothic style and basilica in plan, a large tracery rose window opens above its door. Their pilgrimage is celebrated on Pentecost Monday.
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Not far from Piedrabuena, on top of a mountain is the Miraflores Castle. Originally it was an Islamic fortress. It is now mostly in ruins, but it is still spectacular to see and the views from here are also incredible.
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One of the most important historical sites in La-Mancha, the Alarcos Archaeological Park is a unique excavation site with evidence of a Bronze Age settlement, a medieval castle.
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The Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Alarcos is located in the Park. It is a Gothic-style hermitage located in Alarcos, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1980. In Gothic style and with a basilica plan, a large tracery rose window opens over its door. Its pilgrimage is celebrated on Pentecost Monday.
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In addition, you can visit the hermitage of the Virgen de Alarcos, as well as the ruins of the Castle with guided tours. For all this, the Alarcos Archaeological Park is a fascinating complex that must be visited on your way through Ciudad Real.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of historical sites can I explore around Picón?
The area around Picón, specifically within the wider Ciudad Real province, offers a rich variety of historical sites. You can explore ancient fortresses of Islamic origin, medieval castles, and extensive archaeological parks. These sites provide insights into the region's past, from the Bronze Age through the High Middle Ages.
Which castles are considered family-friendly near Picón?
For a family-friendly historical outing, the Alarcos Archaeological Park is an excellent choice. It features archaeological remains from the Bronze Age to the High Middle Ages, including castle ruins and an hermitage, offering an engaging experience for all ages.
Are there any castles with significant historical battles or events associated with them?
Yes, the Alarcos Archaeological Park is historically significant for the Battle of Alarcos, which took place in 1195. This major battle between Alfonso VIII and the Almohads had a lasting impact on the Reconquista.
What kind of views can I expect from the castles around Picón?
Many of the castles and historical sites offer impressive views of the surrounding landscape. For instance, Miraflores Castle, though mostly in ruins, is situated on a mountain top near Piedrabuena and provides spectacular vistas.
Can I find any castles with Islamic origins in the Picón area?
Absolutely. Both Miraflores Castle and Castillo de Benavente are fortresses of Islamic origin. Miraflores Castle dates back to the 9th-10th centuries, while Castillo de Benavente, though only walls remain, also has Muslim roots and was later owned by the Order of Calatrava.
What outdoor activities can I do near these historical sites?
The region around Picón offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, road cycling routes, and mountain biking trails. For example, you can explore running routes like 'From Piedrabuena to Sierra de la Cruz' or mountain biking trails such as 'Vuelta de Embalse el Vicario'. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Picón, Road Cycling Routes around Picón, and MTB Trails around Picón guides.
What is the significance of the Guadiana River in relation to these castles?
The Guadiana River basin is a key geographical feature in the region, and many historical fortifications are strategically located along its course. For instance, the Alarcos Archaeological Park is situated on the left bank of the Guadiana, and Castillo de Benavente also held strategic importance near the river.
Are there guided tours available at any of the castles?
Yes, at the Alarcos Archaeological Park, you can take guided tours of the castle ruins and the hermitage, providing deeper insights into its history and archaeological significance.
What do visitors appreciate most about the castles around Picón?
Visitors to the castles around Picón highly appreciate the historical appeal and the opportunity to explore ancient ruins. The highlights in this guide have received 20 upvotes and feature 82 photos from the komoot community, showcasing the area's rich heritage and scenic beauty.
Which castle was associated with the Order of Calatrava?
Both Miraflores Castle and Castillo de Benavente have historical ties to the Order of Calatrava. Miraflores Castle was among the possessions confirmed to the Order in a 12th-century papal bull, and Castillo de Benavente was also owned by the Order, primarily used for tax collection.
What is the best way to experience the historical depth of the Alarcos Archaeological Park?
To fully experience the historical depth of the Alarcos Archaeological Park, consider taking one of the guided tours. These tours delve into the archaeological remains, which span from the Bronze Age to the High Middle Ages, and cover the castle ruins and the hermitage, offering a comprehensive understanding of the site's long history.
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