In the land of Don Quixote, there are many charming towns to discover, such as Atienza, Tembleque, Alcalá del Júcar, Consuegra. However, according to Artificial Intelligence, Almagro has been chosen as the most beautiful city in Castile-La Mancha. Located in the region of Ciudad Real del Campo de Calatrava, this place is known for its historical and artistic heritage.
It is distinguished above all by its famous theater, the Comedy Corralthe only theater of the Spanish Golden Age preserved intact and declared a National Monument. Every year in July, the National Theater Museum and the International Classical Theater Festival are held in this historic place.
Almagro
Almagro has been declared Historical and artistic ensemble. Considered the capital of Calatrava Fieldhad close relations with the religious order of the same name, which was politically important in the late Middle Ages. Despite the decline of the Calatravian knights after their incorporation into the Crown of Castile by Ferdinand the Catholic, the city continued to prosper. The arrival of the bankers of Emperor Charles V, such as the Fuggers and the Welsers, contributed to the economic development of Almagro.
History
The 13th century marks Almagro’s entry into history, associated with the Order of Calatravawhose masters chose it at that time as their seat and administrative center. Tradition suggests that the city received a Charter in 1213, confirmed by Ferdinand III in 1222. However, later documents reveal significant activities, such as the celebration of the Cortes in 1273 and the agreements between the masters and the Almagreños in 1285.
The 15th century brought further development and expansion to Almagro, with the construction of new neighborhoods, the founding of monasteries and the arrival of new religious orders. In addition, civil and religious buildings were built, including the parish church of Madre de Dios and the Convent of the Incarnation.
In the 18th century, Almagro experienced a period of prosperity capital of the province of La Manchewith the construction of new public buildings and the establishment of industries such as the manufacture of tablecloths. Finally, the 20th century marked a cultural renaissance for Almagro, with the restoration of historical monuments, the foundation of the National Theatre Museum and the celebration of the International Classical Theatre Festival.
What to see
The heart of Almagro, like many Castilian towns, is its Mayor’s Square. This space, rectangular in plan and surrounded by stone arcades and wooden balconies on two floors, houses some of the city’s most remarkable monuments.
He Comedy Corralwhich dates back to the 16th century and is classified as a National Monument, is the emblematic place where the plays of the Spanish Golden Age were performed. Its galleries, stage and dressing rooms are open to visitors and host the International Classical Theatre Festival every year.
In a typical La Mancha mansion is the National Theatre Museum, which exhibits a fascinating collection of sets, 18th-century theatre costumes, models of theatres and theatres, as well as a complete pictorial and musical archive. In addition, the Town Hall houses a Roman tombstone of Granátula de Calatrava.
Other points of interest in Almagro include the Saint-Jean Hospitalthe Municipal Theatre, the Patio de los Fúcares and the Cloister of the Dominicans, which transport visitors to the time of Lope de Vega, Tirso de Molina or Calderón de la Barca.
The city also has important religious buildings, such as the churches of San Agustín (declared of cultural interest) and Madre de Dios, as well as the convents of La Encarnación and La Asunción de Calatrava, the latter Historical and artistic monumentThe former convent of San Francisco, currently the Parador de Turismo de Almagro, is another testimony to the historical wealth of the city.
Tablas de Daimiel National Park
Daimiel tables, a unique wetland in Europerepresent the river aquifer ecosystem, once common in the central plain of the peninsula. This complex environment combines the characteristics of a floodplain, formed by the overflows of the Guadiana and Gigüela rivers, with a groundwater discharge area of a large aquifer.
The region is home to a wide variety of waterfowlmany of which use the area for wintering or breeding. Migratory species that rest and feed during their travels are also observed, as well as native species of fish and amphibians.
THE access to the National Park They are free and open every day of the year, with opening hours that vary depending on the season. They can be accessed from the N-420 motorway from Ciudad Real to Puerto Lapice, passing through Daimiel, or from the neighbouring municipalities of Malagón or Daimiel via the CM-4114.
When visiting the park, it is important to follow certain rules and recommendations for preserve biodiversitysuch as avoiding making fires, camping, disturbing animals or leaving trails.
