The best road cycling routes around El Hito

A fascinating place where you can travel back to Roman times and explore an authentic ancient city.

The town of Villamayor de Santiago sits at a crossroads, resembling a central hub, connecting municipalities in La Mancha, Toledo, and Ciudad Real via local roads. It boasts an urban complex and historic buildings that reflect the town's former importance, as numerous Commanders of the Order of Santiago and nobles lived there during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Segóbriga Archaeological Park is a fascinating historical site located in Saelices, in the province of Cuenca, Spain. This park allows visitors to explore the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Segóbriga, which was an important urban center in the region during the 2nd century BC and beyond. Among the most notable archaeological remains are an amphitheater, a theater, thermal baths, aqueducts, homes and other public and private buildings that offer a detailed insight into daily life in Roman times. In addition, the park has an Interpretation Center that provides additional information and historical contexts to enrich the visit. 🌄🚶‍♀️😎🚴🚵

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.

It is the Town Hall Square, Plaza De la Villa, whose municipality belongs to the province of Cuenca, with a census in 2018 that exceeded 2,500 inhabitants. It is worth visiting for several reasons, among which its tranquility stands out.

Villamayor de Santiago is a center that is located almost on the border with Toledo and that has always been a crossroads between several towns, as is the case of Alcarria de Cela, the Serranía de Cuenca and the extensive Mancha.