The best cycling routes around Embalse de El Vicario

The Castle of Calatrava la Vieja is an Islamic fortification located in Carrión de Calatrava, in the province of Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha. This archaeological site is one of the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula, with origins dating back to the 8th century. Calatrava la Vieja was an Islamic city that reached its peak in the 9th century, becoming the capital of a large Muslim region. The fortress sits on a plain but was naturally protected by the Guadiana River and a wall with more than forty towers. In the 12th century, the city fell to Christian hands, and the Order of Calatrava, one of the most powerful military orders of the time, was founded. Today, you can visit the ruins of this city, including the remains of mosques, baths, and paved streets. It's a fascinating place to explore the medieval history of Spain. 🚵😎

It functions primarily as a multi-purpose auditorium. Since 2024 and 2025, it has already hosted mixed bullfighting festivals without picadors during the September Fairs—such as the one held on September 13, 2025—with lineups that include rejoneadores (mounted bullfighters), prominent figures, and young up-and-coming talents, as well as the release of heifers at the end.

The Miguelturra Bullring, also known as the Multifunctional Auditorium, is a modern building that is a prominent feature of the town. Located in Miguelturra (Ciudad Real), it is integrated into both the town center and its surrounding area and serves as a multipurpose venue for bullfights, concerts, festivals, and other events. It was inaugurated on May 4, 2002, with a bullfight featuring matadors such as Paco Ojeda, Joselito, and Finito de Córdoba, fighting bulls from the Pedro and Verónica Gutiérrez Lorenzo ranch.

Great tree-lined avenue along the old railway line.

The Iron Bridge over the Guadiana River, also known as the Austrias Bridge, is a significant engineering work in the history of Ciudad Real and the region of Castilla-La Mancha. It was built to be part of the railway line that connected Ciudad Real with Badajoz, being an important route for transport and communication in the first half of the 20th century. The construction of the bridge began in 1921 and was completed in 1927. Its design and construction were carried out by the company Material para Ferrocarriles y Construcciones S.A., which used advanced techniques for the time. The bridge is made up of an iron metal structure, supported by masonry pillars, which gives it its characteristic name. During the Spanish Civil War, the bridge played a strategic role and was damaged due to its importance for the movement of troops and supplies. It was later repaired and continued in use until the railway line was decommissioned in the 1960s. Today, the Iron Bridge is a protected monument and a testament to the region's industrial heritage. It is a popular place for walks and hiking trails, allowing visitors to appreciate both its historical value and the natural views of the Guadiana River and its surroundings.

The Puerta de Santa María, also known as the Puerta de Antiguo Convento de las Dominicas de Altagracia, is located in Ciudad Real. This gate is located in the place where one of the eight gates of the old wall of Villa Real used to be. Although the convent to which it belonged was demolished in the 70s of the last century, the door still remains as a historical testimony. I hope you have an interesting visit! 🏰

It is a place full of history, with a special charm. Formerly this bridge was part of the railway line that connected Ciudad Real with Madrid. At the beginning of the nineties it stopped being used as it did not meet the conditions to support the new AVE route between the capital and Seville. After its conditioning for use as a greenway, it is an attractive pedestrian crossing point to cross the Guadiana River at the height of the Vicario reservoir, next to the Miguelturreña district of Peralvillo, especially when we can see water flowing through its channel, something uncommon in dry season. Ideal for taking photos and admiring its imposing structure.

Beautiful seen from below and with water as before.