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Benavente Castle is an ancient fortress located in the municipality of Alcolea de Calatrava. This castle, of Muslim origin, was once owned by the Order of Calatrava. Although only the remains of its walls remain today, it once held great strategic importance. The castle is located near Alarcos Castle and close to the Guadiana River. It was primarily used to collect and store taxes for the Order of Calatrava. Despite its state of disrepair, the castle is mentioned in several historical documents, including papal bulls and contracts from the Order.

It is part of the Alarcos-Calatrava Archaeological Park. The castle is located at the top, built on an artificial platform. It has a rectangular floor plan and nine towers, seven square and two pentagonal at the bow. It was occupied by Iberians, Romans and Arabs. In 1195 a great battle took place here, the Battle of Alarcos against the Almohads, in which Alfonso VIII had to flee wounded in the leg. After the battle, Alarcos and its surroundings remained in Almohad hands, which delayed the Reconquista for several decades. This Battle took place on the plain that today extends between Alarcos and Poblete.

Miraflores Castle is a fortress of Islamic origin, dated from ceramic samples to around the 9th-10th centuries, although its chronology extends with various modifications until the 14th century. Built in tabiya and masonry, it is mainly located in the town of Piedrabuena. The first documentary reference to the Miraflores Castle dates back to the 12th century. In a bull from Pope Gregory VIII of November 4, 1187, all the possessions of the Order of Calatrava are confirmed, among which are the castles of Caracuel, Alarcos, Benavente, Ciruela, Malagón, Guadalerza and Piedrabuena.

In the Park is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Alarcos, a Gothic-style hermitage located in Alarcos, declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1980. Gothic style and basilica in plan, a large tracery rose window opens above its door. Their pilgrimage is celebrated on Pentecost Monday.

Not far from Piedrabuena, on top of a mountain is the Miraflores Castle. Originally it was an Islamic fortress. It is now mostly in ruins, but it is still spectacular to see and the views from here are also incredible.

One of the most important historical sites in La-Mancha, the Alarcos Archaeological Park is a unique excavation site with evidence of a Bronze Age settlement, a medieval castle.

The Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Alarcos is located in the Park. It is a Gothic-style hermitage located in Alarcos, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1980. In Gothic style and with a basilica plan, a large tracery rose window opens over its door. Its pilgrimage is celebrated on Pentecost Monday.

In addition, you can visit the hermitage of the Virgen de Alarcos, as well as the ruins of the Castle with guided tours. For all this, the Alarcos Archaeological Park is a fascinating complex that must be visited on your way through Ciudad Real.