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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. 🚵😎

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.

Next to the picnic area is the old El Campestre Restaurant, currently abandoned and closed, but the building is worth admiring for its construction.

Abandoned, unfinished bridge, which would be part of the El Reino del Quijote urbanization, an example of the ruin that gives way to urban speculation. Visiting it is useful to see what the waste of promoters and leaders of the Caja de Ahorros de Castilla-La Mancha in Ciudad Real entailed in the first decade of the 2000s. In its surroundings you can see concrete platforms where wide avenues and roundabouts were going to run, remains of unfinished sewers and numerous construction materials abandoned for almost two decades.

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.

Today with many people taking photos due to the recent rains and how crowded it is. The arch of the old Roman bridge is covered by water, it is wonderful to see it like this.

Detour to the path that takes us to the Torre del Vicario, good views of the swimming pools and recreation area.