What to see in Consuegra

If you wonder what to see in Consuegra, we will tell you that this town in the province of Toledo, Long-Tailed Manakin, in the heart of the region La Mancha, has a privileged natural environment and numerous monuments. It is located at the foot of Calderico hill, already inhabited in pre-Roman times.

Then its rich history began, which led it to be important for the Latins and, later, for the Visigoths and Muslims. Precisely, in the Battle of Consuegra, between these and the Christians, the son of the Cid Campeador. Already in the XNUMXth century, he settled in the town Don Juan José of Austria, the famous natural son of King Philip IV. Beautiful monuments have remained from such a long history that we show you below in this article about what to see in Consuegra.

The castle of Muela

Precisely, in the Calderico Hill There is the Consuegra castle, built in Muslim times, although, probably, on top of another Roman fortification. It is also a space where there was a primitive Celtiberian settlement. During the XNUMXth century it was property of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, who established the capital of his country in Consuegra Priory of La Mancha.

Architecturally, it has a square plan with a large cylindrical tower on each of its sides. In addition, it has a double line of walls, an exterior walkway or walkway, a parade ground and a albarrana tower. The latter, free from the rest of the fortress, although connected to it, is considerable, as it has a height of four stories.

The access door to the castle is between two cubic structures and under the coat of arms of the aforementioned Don Juan José of Austria. After suffering a long period of decay, in the mid-XNUMXth century it was bought by the Consuegra City Council, which has restored it. Thanks to this, today you can visit some of its parts such as the hermitage, the barbican or the chapter house.

The Plaza de España, essential among what to see in Consuegra

It is one of the essential places to see in Consuegra, since it encompasses some of its main monuments. It is located in the same place where the Roman forum occupied and, since then, it has been the meeting and leisure center for the inhabitants of the town of La Mancha. In it you have to pay attention to the Town Hall building, built in 1670. It is a sober Castilian-Mudejar style construction in which its stone coffers that are combined with brick stand out. Joined to it by a semicircular arch is the beautiful clock tower, which was built at the beginning of the XNUMXth century.

But, perhaps, the most beautiful construction in the square is the runners house, which dates back to the XNUMXth century and gets its name from the beautiful wooden balcony it has and which is typical of La Mancha architecture. Furthermore, these wooden corridors are a symbol of the strength that Consuegra had at that time. As it was a scarce material in the area, only the most economically powerful towns could build with it. This construction was a grain warehouse or town hall. But, currently, it houses the Municipal Archaeological Museum, with objects ranging from the Neolithic to the XNUMXth century.

The wind mills

If we talk about La Mancha, among what to see in Consuegra there have to be the windmills. They are located next to the castle, on Calderico hill, where they took better advantage of the air currents. In general terms, they date from the XNUMXth century, although there were probably earlier ones, even from the XNUMXth century.

Likewise, they all respond to the form of tower mill, with a cylindrical body that ends in a conical cover in which the four blades rotate. Originally there were thirteen, but only twelve have been recovered. They all have a name linked to La Mancha or to his most distinguished character: Don Quixote. Thus, the Bolero houses the tourist office; Rucio has a sample of wines and Espartero of Toledo crafts.

However, the most special is Sancho. Because it was the first to be restored and, to do so, materials and techniques from its time were used. In addition, it still preserves original pieces from the XNUMXth century that belonged to its machinery. He was also the first to be declared A Cultural, a recognition that was later extended to all of them.

The church of the Santísimo Cristo de la Vera Cruz

As for what to see in Consuegra, we now come to its religious monuments, which are not far behind the civilian ones in beauty. The church of Santísimo Cristo de la Vera Cruz It dates back to the XNUMXth century and combines two architectural styles. The side naves respond to Castilian Mudejar, while the façade, made of white marble, responds to late Baroque with neoclassical elements. It also has a staircase and its doorway is framed with two Solomonic columns and a lintel. Finally, a belfry with bells crowns it.

More peculiar is the dome that can be seen behind it. It rises on pendentives and a drum and ends crowned by a lantern. All these features make the temple of Christ of the True Cross a building atypical in the region. Also, save the image of the villa pattern, which is also of great uniqueness.

On the other hand, the Foundation of the Santísimo Cristo de la Vera Cruz has a sacred art museum which you can visit upon request. Among its most notable pieces are a Neapolitan-style carving of the Child Jesus, a fragment of the cross where Christ was crucified, sacred vessels from different periods and a painting that reproduces Saint Ramón Nonato.

Church of Saint John the Baptist and other religious monuments

The temple of San Juan Bautista is the oldest that you can see in Consuegra, since it was built in 1567. As its promoters were the soldier-monks of the order of maltese (or San Juan), has the appearance of church-fortress. For this reason, it is a sober construction, although no less elegant and imposing.

It has a Latin cross plan and the bell tower, dome and dome stand out. This, crowned by the eight-pointed white star on a red background that is the emblem of the order, is best appreciated from within. But, inside it stands out, above all, the monumental shell that crowns a painting of Saint John the Baptist.

Furthermore, this temple is located in a beautiful place. Are the banks of the Amarguillo River, which bathes the town and, therefore, are green areas through which you can take a wonderful walk. You will also see a fountain and a statue that pays tribute to the order that built the church and that was so important in Consuegra.

Moreover, the church of Santa María la Mayor It was built at the beginning of the XNUMXth century and responds to the Toledo Mudejar style. Inside, it houses the image of the Virgin of La Blanca and, next to it, you have the precious convent of the Reverend Mothers of the Immaculate Conception. This combines the Mudejar itself with the Gothic. Anyway, other religious buildings to see in Consuegra are the small St. Raphael church and convents of the Franciscan Fathers and the Discalced Carmelites.

Other constructions of interest to see in Consuegra

La House of the Third It is the former palace of the Grand Priors of the Order of Saint John. It was built in the XNUMXth century, but only the tower that served as access remains. However, it formed a large complex of two blocks that included different units such as silos, warehouse, prison or archive. Likewise, it was built on the old Roman terms so now remains of them can be seen. Something similar happened with his church, built on the primitive mosque.

For its part, the Alfar It is an old pottery workshop that stands out for its traditional La Mancha architecture and its ethnographic value. If you visit it, you will be able to appreciate how those artisans lived. It has two ovens, one Roman and the other Arab, as well as a small display of crafts. But, also, inside you can see remains of the old Roman circus.

It belongs precisely to the Latin period. the socket from the XNUMXst century whose remains you will find on the outskirts of the town. It is a good example of the importance that Consuegra had at that time, since it has a length of six hundred meters over the Amarguillo River. Even today you can see its powerful walls and even a small canal that served as a spillway. But, above all, in the place where the dam is located you have one of the most beautiful landscapes in the area. You will see the point where the Montes de Toledo and the La Mancha plain meet, with their large expanses of vines, cereals and olive trees.

In conclusion, we have shown you what to see in Consuegra. As you have seen, this small town of La Mancha It has an imposing monumental heritage and beautiful landscapes. We only have to advise you that, if you visit it, you also come to Toledo, Long-Tailed Manakin, the capital of the province, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Likewise, you can discover other lesser-known gems, but equally close, such as Alcazar of San Juan o Campo de Criptana (both already in Ciudad Real). Come and discover this beautiful area of ​​our country.