Ciudad Real Province

Ciudad Real is located in the Autonomous Region of Castilla la Mancha. Its capital is Ciudad Real. The limits of the province of Ciudad Real are practically the same as those of the old province of La Mancha, which had as its capital city the magnificent medieval town of Almagro, an obligatory stop for any visitor to the province.

Historically, Ciudad Real evolved as did the whole of the Iberian Peninsula. Ruins of many ages and civilizations are distributed around the countryside and evidence of the violent past during conquest and reconquest are everywhere.

Of particular importance for the distribution of modern day towns and cities was the fact that, after the Christian conquest of Spain, the actual province of Ciudad Real was dominated by 3 major military-religious orders whose influence waxed and waned over the years.

The scenery of Ciudad Real outside the major centres of occupation can be described as Central Meseta, in other words, high plain territory. The flatness of the land that exemplifies Castilla la Mancha and is important in that it has been converted into an enormous centre for cereal production. To the south of the province is the mountain chain of the Sierra Morena. It’s here that the main entry point into Andalusia, the daunting pass of Despeñaperros is located, battleground of a defining battle between Christian and Muslim forces.

Ciudad Real’s climate is continental and there is a wide temperature range throughout the year, a year marked by very hot, dry summers and bitterly cold winters.

Ciudad Real is located on the principal road of communication between Toledo and Andalusia, which was, for most of its history, the principal way of communication within the Iberian Peninsula. However, modern communication continues to improve and the AVE high velocity train stops in Ciudad Real on its way to and from Madrid.

More information:
http://www.ciudad-real.es/
http://ayto-ciudadreal.es

See also: Cervantes' Legacy

Routes and Places worth a Visit

Almagro is only one of the historical jewels that lie on the plains of the Province of Ciudad Real and that provides latter day time-travellers with a startlingly clear glimpse of the past. The narrow streets of its historical centre are lined with beautifully restored 16th century palaces and the ornate facades of a plethora of religious institutions that accompanied the temporal passage of money and power. The theatre of the town is one of the few places that, for its authenticity must be experienced to be believed.

Important Fiestas

In June and July, Almagro holds the spectacular International Festival of Classic Theatre. Many of the performances are held in the well-preserved 17th century theatre.

Between the 23rd and the 28th of August, the town holds its annual fiestas and ferias.

Valdepeñas is a city in Ciudad Real known for the quality of its wine. From the 1st to the 8th of September, after the harvest, the city enjoys the products of hard labour.