Castilla-La Mancha Attractions
The imperial city of Toledo is the main draw for most travelers but there are also numerous small towns and attractive villages which are well worth a visit.
Belmonte, Spain
The whole of the ancient little fortified town of Belmonte, 158km/98mi southeast of Madrid, has been declared a monument of tourist interest. It was the birthplace of the religious writer and poet Fray Luis de León (1527-91).
Castillo
The mid-15th century castle of Belmonte, now declared a national monument, looms over the town on a gently rising hill in the barren plain of La Mancha. This star-shaped stronghold has six round towers and a double circuit of battlemented walls. There are three gates, the most remarkable of which is the Pilgrim Gate, with a carved cross and scallop-shell, emblem of the pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James at Santiago de Compostela. The triangular courtyard is surrounded by a double gallery with fine relief decoration. The rooms in the interior of the castle are mostly empty, but have fine coffered ceilings, foreplaces and windows. From the wall-walk there are extensive views over the countryside of La Mancha.
Opening hours:
10am-1pm, 4:30pm-7pm
Useful tips: Closes at sunset.
Church
Notable features of the former collegiate church (also a national monument) are the magnificent choir-stalls from Cuenca Cathedral, the Gothic retablos and the font at which Luis de León was baptized.
Tejera Negra
Characteristic of this hilly region, in which the Río Lillas rises, are the dense beech forests, sometimes interspersed with oaks and yews, in which roe deer and wild pigs live. It is also the home of golden eagles, red kites and hawks.
Toledo, Spain
