The best traffic-free bike rides around Belmonte

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).

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.

This is one of the gates in the wall that gives access to the town of Belmonte. In addition to the Almudí, it was known by other names: Puerta del Rollo or Cristo de los Ausentes. The name Puerta de Almudí comes from being next to the Pósito, a stone house attached to the door that was the place used to collect grains, mainly wheat, in order to lend them to farmers and neighbors during the months of less abundance. . The term Almudí refers to the public house intended for the purchase and sale of wheat, as well as for other grains, foodstuffs or merchandise, which were stored inside, or warehouse, with the purpose that you do not accrue taxes while they would not be sold. The name of the Roll is due to the fact that in front of it was the stone roll or column that served as an insignia of jurisdiction and that, in many other cases, also served as a pillory to execute the prisoners. The name Puerta del Cristo de los Ausentes is due to the fact that it houses a bronze image of this Christ, the work of the Cuenca sculptor José Antonio Lafuente Roldán, in 1967.

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! 🏰🌿

Mota del Cuervo is in an agricultural meadow at the foot of the Balcón de la Mancha, the hill where seven windmills stand that served as inspiration for Miguel de Cervantes to place some of Don Quixote's pranks. In the place the “bread of Mota” is renowned and in the region the pottery tradition of the town has been famous, made mainly by women, the singers of Mota, the “mages of clay” were known throughout La Mancha. The route crosses the center of the town along Calle Mayor, the Market Square and other streets with stately mansions from the 15th and 16th centuries, taking the Camino de Santiago de Levante on the outskirts near the border with the province of Toledo. In El Toboso you could not miss a monument of Don Quixote and Dulcinea, in a "couple" style, there is also a House Museum dedicated to the muse of the greatest and most adventurous knight-errant of all time. The Toledo town has stately buildings, monuments, shields, Castilian portals on the facades and a good restaurant on the outskirts to recharge your batteries before the final stretch. In Quintanar de la Orden, the section of the Trenillo Greenway begins as a Natural Trail, a 30-kilometer cycling tour that is slightly favorable to end a peaceful gravel bikepacking trip of a couple of days in La Mancha Húmeda. The surface is great for gravel, there is a cut in the route to save the AP-36, going around an overpass, and the crossing of La Puebla de Almoradiel is entertaining. The path enters through the Paseo de los Enamorados and follows the old railway track through the urban complex and in some sections there are recreational parks or leisure spaces, making it necessary to adapt pedaling to the urban rhythm until the track exits again to the plain. peasant, passes the Cigüela River and begins a long stretch to La Villa de Don Fadrique, where the same thing happens, there are parks with swings, groves and projections marking different pedestrian spaces in the route of the road and it is advisable to drive with caution. And without complications or great efforts, the Trenillo ends at the Villacañas station, you have to cross the train tracks again through the pedestrian crossing from the previous day and the end of a surprising and deceiving tourist cycle trip.

Located in the town of Santa María de los Llanos, the Church is a clear example of Renaissance architecture from the 16th century, although its semicircular apse is the oldest part and dates back to the Romanesque era. Inside it is very beautiful and worth visiting, its main altarpiece made of polychrome wood stands out.