La Mancha & Don Quijote Route

Campo de Criptana is a place of profound cultural and historical significance, inextricably linked to Spain's literary heritage. The famous windmills, immortalized by Miguel de Cervantes in his masterpiece "Don Quixote," are not merely architectural landmarks, but also symbols of the resilience of local traditions.The history of the town extends far beyond the times of the "Knight of the Sorrowful Countenance." Archaeological discoveries attest to a Roman presence, while the later Moorish settlement shaped the region for centuries, leaving traces in its culture and agricultural economy. The current town developed from the Middle Ages onwards, when, after the Reconquista, it fell under the dominion of Christian kingdoms.Architecturally, Campo de Criptana captivates with its traditional, whitewashed houses, often with blue accents, which define the typical landscape of La Mancha. Besides the windmills, the Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is a significant structure that unifies various architectural styles over the centuries. Local festivals, such as the annual celebrations in honor of the Cristo de Villajos, preserve ancient rituals and customs and are a vibrant expression of the town's deeply rooted community traditions.

Almagro, a town of historical significance in Castile-La Mancha, is deeply rooted in its past, stretching back to Roman times. However, its heyday was during the Siglo de Oro, Spain's Golden Age, when it became an important center for the Order of Calatrava and later home to noble families and merchants. This era profoundly shaped the townscape with magnificent Renaissance and Baroque architecture.The unique Plaza Mayor, with its green columns and arcades, is the heart of Almagro and an outstanding example of Castilian urban planning. Immediately adjacent is the Corral de Comedias, a perfectly preserved courtyard theatre from 1628 that is still in use today. It is the only one of its kind worldwide still existing in its original form, testifying to the rich theatrical culture of that era.Traditions play a significant role in Almagro. Each year, it hosts the renowned International Festival of Classical Theatre, filling the city's stages, especially the Corral de Comedias, with world-class performances. Crafts, particularly fine bobbin lace (Encaje de Bolillos), are also a vibrant part of the local culture and are cultivated in specialized workshops.