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Alcázar de San Juan is one of the most interesting destinations in the heart of La Mancha, with a blend of history, heritage, nature, and Cervantine traditions. Its name comes from the Military Order of Saint John, which dominated the area after the Reconquista. It claims to be the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, as the baptismal font where, according to some studies, the writer was baptized is preserved in the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor. It was an important railway junction and economic center in the 19th and 20th centuries, which shaped its urban development.

The Hermitage or Sanctuary of the Holy Christ of Villajos is one of the most emblematic places in Campo de Criptana (Ciudad Real). It originated from the old village of Villajos, which was abandoned in the 14th century. The original church was dedicated to Our Lady of Villajos.

The Church of Santa Quiteria in Alcázar de San Juan (Ciudad Real) is one of the town's most important churches, boasting a rich history and significant architectural value. Origin: Construction began in the second half of the 16th century based on plans by Juan de Herrera, the architect of El Escorial. Execution: The work was directed by Agustín Argüello and completed by Bartolomé Elorriaga in 1604. Style: Renaissance with classical elements.

The Grand Prior's Tower is one of the most emblematic monuments of Alcázar de San Juan (Ciudad Real) and forms part of the Grand Prior's Palace Complex, linked to the Order of Saint John. Built in the 13th century on the remains of the old Muslim citadel, during the Almohad period. Reconquest: It became part of the palace of the Grand Priors of Castile and León of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. Expansions: In 1618, under Philip III, a floor was added with windows and plaster ribbed vaults.

Return to the town of Campo de Criptana

The Church of San Antonio Abad, built from 1525 onwards on an earlier church, is one of the main monuments of El Toboso and a prominent example of late Gothic architecture in La Mancha. Its hall plan features three naves of equal height covered by ribbed vaults supported by cylindrical columns. In the 17th century, side chapels and a transept were added, while the Renaissance-style doorways and the Plateresque tower complete its imposing façade. This church is thought to correspond to the one depicted in Don Quixote's famous phrase: "We have found the church, Sancho."

The statue of Don Quixote and Dulcinea in El Toboso is one of the town's most emblematic monuments, deeply linked to the Cervantes universe. It stands in the main square of El Toboso, dedicated to Juan Carlos I, in the heart of the town. The sculptures are made of sheet iron, not cast iron, giving them a handcrafted and robust appearance.

These iconic mills are symbols of Campo de Criptana and all of Castilla-La Mancha. Its blades preside over the life of the town of La Mancha from above. The mills are of the “tower” type, built in masonry and whitewashed with lime. They have a circular plan pierced with small windows, which served as a guide for the orientation of the wind. This indicated where to turn the conical cover so that its blades could take advantage of the wind as desired. Each mill has three floors: the upper one with the grinding stones and the lower ones for storage and packaging. The oldest mills, such as the Sardinero, Burleta and Infante, have been standing since the 16th century and preserve their original mechanism. There are also more modern mills, such as the Inca Garcilaso, the Cariari, the Vicente Huidobro, the Pilón, the Lagarto, the Culebro and the Poyatos, which date back to 1900. Currently, some of these mills can be visited, such as the Molino Infante, the Burleta, the Culebro (which houses the Sara Montiel Museum), the Quimera (which houses the town's Holy Week Museum) and the Poyatos Mill (current tourist information point). The others are closed to the public. I hope you enjoy exploring these iconic windmills! 😊