The best MTB trails around Almedina

After the walk, what better way to end the visit to Villanueva de los Infantes than with some Coca-Colas, some cold beers and some tapas in a typical local bar right in the Plaza Mayor, as its name suggests.

On one side is the Church of Santo Domingo, built in the 17th century following the principles of the Counter-Reformation. Highlights include the main altar with its Baroque altarpiece featuring Solomonic columns. Above it are interesting frescoes depicting Saint Dominic. Among the side chapels, the Chapel of Souls, founded by the Ballesteros family, the Chapel of Ecce Homo, commissioned by the Duke of San Fernando, and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, commissioned by the Bustos family, are particularly noteworthy. However, the most visited site is the convent, or rather, the cell where Francisco de Quevedo died in 1645. Quevedo's cell, open to the public, is the exact spot where the writer passed away shortly after arriving in Villanueva, already very ill. Following the confiscation of church property in 1844, the convent was closed, and today part of the building houses cultural events and a hotel. The opening hours and admission prices are as follows: Opening Hours: Monday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays. Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission: €2 (Reduced: €1).

The Plaza Mayor is Neoclassical in style and a key element of the urban design, housing the main political and religious institutions. The Church of San Andrés is notable for its Neoclassical façade, featuring a deep semicircular arch, an image of Saint Andrew, and the coat of arms of the Habsburgs. Inside, the Chapel of the Busts is preserved, in whose crypt Francisco de Quevedo was buried. Visiting hours and prices are: Hours: Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Admission: General €2 (Reduced €1).

The Parish Church of Our Lady of the Elms, in Torre de Juan Abad (Ciudad Real), is one of the most emblematic churches in Campo de Montiel, with great historical and artistic value. It was built on the site of a small existing chapel in 1243, a work of the Order of Santiago, whose cross-sword can still be seen in the pediments. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) in 2005.

Montiel Castle, also known as the Star Castle, is one of the most important historical sites in Castile-La Mancha. Built by the Arabs in the 9th century, under the name of Munt-Yil, it was part of the defense of the Islamic territory against the Christian advance. It was conquered by the Christians in 1227, after a long siege, and passed into the hands of the Order of Santiago, who made it the center of the Commandery of Campo de Montiel. The Tragedy of Montiel (1369) occurred here, where King Peter I of Castile was assassinated by his brother Henry of Trastámara, with Bertrand Duguesclin famously saying: "I neither remove nor appoint a king, but I help my lord." It is currently in a state of partial ruin, but excavations and guided tours are taking place.

Montizón Castle is a historic fortification located in the municipality of Villamanrique, in the province of Ciudad Real. Built in the 13th century, this castle belonged to the Order of Santiago and was the residence of the poet Jorge Manrique. The castle is located in a strategic position above the Guadalén River, taking advantage of a natural cut in the hill where it is located. The keep, one of its most outstanding structures, is built on solid rock and offers impressive views of the surroundings. Currently, the castle is privately owned and can be visited at specific times, generally on weekends and by appointment.

Immense main square found in this town with arches on both sides of the square (porticoed area) where there is always neighborhood activity!

Beautiful convent that is in the middle of the town of Vilanueva de los Infantes and that is not only recognized for its ecclesiastical importance but is also the place where Francisco de Quevedo spent the last years of his life locked up.