The best traffic-free bike rides around Villamayor De Santiago

The castle of Puebla de Almenara stands at the top of the Sierra Jarameña, visually controlling a vast territory between the La Mancha of Cuenca and that of Toledo. It is a medieval fortress of Santiaguist origin, today in a state of progressive ruin, but which preserves a good part of its defensive structure. Its strategic position, at one of the highest points of the sierra, allowed it a visual control of almost 360 degrees over the surrounding territory. The origin of the castle is prior to the building currently preserved. The most accepted version indicates that it was built at the end of the 12th century by the Order of Santiago on Muslim vestiges, forming part of the defensive line together with the castle of Uclés and other fortresses in the area. There are documentary references that place its construction in the year 1177. The current fortress corresponds mainly to the 14th century, when it was acquired by Don Juan Manuel, although it later passed through different owners, such as Cardinal González de Mendoza in the 15th century or the Princess of Éboli in the 16th century.

The town of Villamayor de Santiago sits at a crossroads, resembling a central hub, connecting municipalities in La Mancha, Toledo, and Ciudad Real via local roads. It boasts an urban complex and historic buildings that reflect the town's former importance, as numerous Commanders of the Order of Santiago and nobles lived there during the 16th and 17th centuries.

It is the town's most historically and artistically significant monument. The architectural style is not definitive, as while the vaults are Gothic, the walls are smooth, made of masonry, and have few windows, typical of the Romanesque style. The High Altar is made of gilded wood with gold leaf and clearly displays a Renaissance influence. Highlights of this altarpiece include the polychrome stone image of Our Lady of Mercy, patron saint of this town, and the equestrian statue of Saint James the Apostle, patron saint of the parish.

Quintanar de la Orden is a charming destination in Castilla-La Mancha, full of history and culture. Church of Santiago Apóstol: This late Gothic and Renaissance style temple is one of the most important religious buildings in the town. Its two atriums and robust square tower stand out. Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Piedad: A place of great devotion, this hermitage houses the patron saint of Quintanar de la Orden. And much more...

You have to climb up to the antenna of the hermitage of the Virgin of Mercy, along the road on the side of the hermitage, it is a tough 400 meters but it is worth it.

Quintanar de la Orden is a charming destination in Castilla-La Mancha, full of history and culture. Church of Santiago Apóstol: This late Gothic and Renaissance style temple is one of the most important religious buildings in the town. Its two atriums and its robust square tower stand out. Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Piedad: A place of great devotion, this hermitage houses the patron saint of Quintanar de la Orden. And much more....😎🚵🌄🚴🚶‍♂️

It is a fortification from the Middle Ages in ruins, and very close to the town that gives its name to the old castle: Puebla de Almenara, a town in the province of Cuenca that in 2023 has a census of 331 residents.

It is the Town Hall Square, Plaza De la Villa, whose municipality belongs to the province of Cuenca, with a census in 2018 that exceeded 2,500 inhabitants. It is worth visiting for several reasons, among which its tranquility stands out.