Located in central Spain, the large region of Castilla-La-Mancha has been famous for centuries as the setting for the great Spanish novel, Don Quixote. Many of the region's towns and villages claim to have been the inspiration for certain scenes in the book and if you are travelling throughout the region you will come across many statues and monuments familiar to the novel's characters or its creator, Miguel Cervantes. The capital of Castilla-La-Mancha is the stunning historic city of Toledo, an ideal place to base yourself for a holiday here and home to any of the region's most spectacular buildings and museums.
Toledo the capital of Castilla-La-Mancha was once the capital of Spain and many of the churches, palaces and castles dating from that time are still standing today. The highlight of any visit to Toledo is the Alcazar or fortress that dominates the skyline as you approach, towering above the rest of the city and the surrounding plain. Built in the 16th century, the building became a symbol for the Nationalist forces during the Civil War and now houses an interesting museum about the history of the Spanish armed forces. The Cathedral of Toledo, built in the 13th century, is a superb example of Gothic architecture and features a unique altar, known as El Transparente. Lit by a “skylight” on the roof, the altar is actually several stories high, consisting of painted sculptures and artwork by Narcisco Tome. Many of the other churches in Toledo have their own fascinating histories, being built on the site of Muslim or Jewish houses of worship. El Cristo de la Luz is the oldest mosque in Spain, while the 12th century Synagogue del Transito is now home to the Sephardic museum, telling the story of Spain and Portugal's Jews before and after their exile from the Iberian Peninsula.
Famous for its 15th century “hanging houses”, that seem to be magically suspended over a cliff edge, the old town of Cuenca is a popular day trip from Madrid and one of the most beautiful cities in Castilla-La-Mancha. Cuenca is also home to a world-class museum of abstract art, while the surrounding countryside is a mass of waterfalls, rock formations and caves, including the 'Enchanted City'; a collection of rocks that have been eroded into unusual shapes over centuries. The smaller town of Guadalajara in the north of Castilla-la-Mancha has fewer attractions than the other cities in the area, but is still home to an impressive cathedral and Roman ruins, while walking routes through forests and mountains are within easy reach.
