The best MTB trails around Mancha Alta

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.

It is worth making a stop to contemplate this beautiful landscape formed by the Cigüela River.

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.

The Monastery welcomes you at the top of the village with a stunning view from the road leading to Uclés. After a long bike ride, it is a good reward.

The Segóbriga Archaeological Park is a fascinating historical site located in Saelices, in the province of Cuenca, Spain. This park allows visitors to explore the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Segóbriga, which was an important urban center in the region during the 2nd century BC and beyond. Among the most notable archaeological remains are an amphitheater, a theater, thermal baths, aqueducts, homes, and other public and private buildings that offer a detailed insight into daily life in Roman times. In addition, the park has an Interpretation Center that provides additional information and historical contexts to enrich the visit. 🌄🚶‍♀️😎 🐶 DOGFRIENDLY-SE ADMITENTE DOGS

It is a route that can be done perfectly on a mountain bike or on foot, as it does not entail any danger. In my case I found lush vegetation that sometimes hid the path, but otherwise it is highly recommended.

Built by the Order of Santiago, construction began in 1529 while Charles I reigned and was completed in 1735 under the reign of Philip V. Monumental construction that leaves no one indifferent, and that during the civil war was first a hospital for one side and later a prison for the other. You can visit it by paying an entrance fee and it is no longer used as a guest house because only one monk lives there, who possibly does not reside there at the time I write this chronicle.

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.