Ciudad Real

Dating back to the 13th century, the Iglesia de Santiago is the oldest church in Ciudad Real. It was constructed in the Gothic style, but the design shows signs of Romanic and Islamic influences.

A remnant of the city's Islamic past, the Puerta de Toledo is all that remains of the Royal Alcázar of Ciudad Real. It was constructed during the 14th century, and it still impresses with 6 arches, 2 square towers and the ornate coat of arms of Castilla.

This 16th century cathedral boasts the intimidating full name "The Holy Priory Church Cathedral Basilica of the Military Order of Our Lady Saint Mary of the Prado of Ciudad Real". It is the city's main cathedral and houses the second largest nave in the country.

The small Don Quixote Museum houses a interesting mix of exhibits centred around Cervantes' masterpiece, which takes place in La Mancha and the area around Ciudad Real. Highlights include some 19th century illustrations depicting Don Quijote, as well as the library, which contains over 3,500 titles.

Perhaps the city's most beautiful and ornate church, the Gothic temple Iglesia de San Pedro dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries and boasts several gorgeous doors, gates and chapels that showcase masterful craftsmanship.

Plaza Mayor, the city's main square, is the heart of civic life in Ciudad Real, a lively open space surrounded by shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. When the weather is nice throngs of visitors and local residents flock to the square, making it the best place in town for people watching, as well as the best place to go for food, shopping and nightlife.

Before there was Ciudad Real, there was ancient Alarcos. 8 km from the city, this Bronze Age excavation site also contains Iberian and medieval remains (a castle and Gothic chapel). The site was a fortified city in the 6th century, and after conquest in 1212, the citizens relocated down river to modern-day Ciudad Real.