Castilla-La Mancha

Overview:

This region is located to the south of Madrid, in the very centre of the Iberian Peninsula and encompasses the ancient capital of Toledo, once the capital of Spain. Albacete is well known for its wine production and The ancient city of Cuenca is famous for its hanging houses, Gothic Cathedral and Museum of Abstract Art. Castilla-La Mancha, located at the very center of the Iberian peninsula, is dominated by an extense tableland, although there are mountainous landscapes too. Of major interest to the visitor are of course the monumental cities and towns of great historical importance, like Toledo, the enchanting Cuenca and Albacete, but one should take as well several interesting alternative routes into consideration, among them: Ruta de los Pueblos Negros ("Route of the Black Villages"), having their name from the use of slate in their traditional architecture, the "Route of the Saffron Fields", "Route of the Castles", and the "Route of Don Quijote", named after Cervante's legendary "Man from La Mancha". Still today you will see many of those characteristical windmills Don Quijote was fighting with in all the land. Traditional gastronomy is simple but tasteful, with stews, game, sausages and the famous Manchego cheese. The region's excellent wines are a perfect match. Artisany is varied, from ceramics and embroiderings to the famous Swords of Toledo and Knives of Albacete.