Discover Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Castilla-La Mancha, Spain is better known for its connections with Don Quijote and Sancho Panza but is also home to the wonderful cities of Toledo and Cuenca.

Toledo

Toledo sits on a hill that rises above the Rio Tajo and is crammed with monuments that bear witness to all its conquerors and communities such at the Romans, Visigoths, Jews, Muslims and Christians.

Sights

The Catedral

The Catedral is a major landmark in Toledo and there is certainly lots to see within its walls. In fact this Cathedral is ranked among the greatest structures in Europe.

There have been many historic events hosted within the Cathedral such as the proclamation of Joanna the Mad and her husband Philip the Handsome as heirs to the throne of Spain.

The Catedral is also home to some important masterpieces including two paintings by El Greco and a spectacular baroque high alter.

The Catedral is open Mon - Sat 10.30am-6pm, Sun 2-6.30pm

Entrance fee - 7 Euros

The Museo de Santa Cruz

The Museo de Santa Cruz is situated at Calle Miguel de Cervantes 3, the former Santa Cruz Hospital.

The museum is divided into 3 sections, Industrial Arts, Fine Arts and Archaeology.

And for fans of El Greco there is an impressive collection of his works upstairs in the Fine Arts section.

The Museo de Santa Cruz is open Mon- Sat 10am -6.30pm & Sun 10am - 2pm

The museum is closed 1 January, 1 May & 25 December

Entry is free

Iglesia de Santo Tome (www.santotome.org)

Set in the southwestern part of the city the Iglesia de Santo Tome is home of the famous masterpiece by El Greco, Burial of the Count of Orgaz.

Built in the 12^th century the church was rebuilt by the Count of Orgaz in the early 14^th century.

The Iglesia de Santo Tome is open Mon - Sat 10am - 7pm March 1 to Oct 14 & Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm Oct 15 to Feb 28.

Admission is 2.30 Euros with European Union Citizens being admitted free on Wednesdays after 4pm.

The Museo Sefardi (www.museosefardi.net)

This museum shows the rich heritage of the Jewish civilization and is housed in the 14^th century El Transito Synagogue.

Taking a tour of this museum will take you through the history of the Jewish people from Roman times right up until the Catholic Monarchs expelled them.

The treasures inside this museum include items such as marriage contracts, coins, maps, utensils, models and funeral remains.

The Museo Sefardi is open Tues - Sat 9.30am to 7pm & Sun 10am to 2pm

Admission is 3 Euros and free for those over the age of 65, under 18 with student ID, Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings.

Accommodation

Between Easter and September accommodation is pretty full but take a look at the list below for good budget places to stay:

HI Albergue Juvenil en San Servando - This hostel is housed in a castle with fine views and an attractive interior.

La Posada de Zocodover - There are just seven rooms on offer here, which are of acceptable quality. The building is located on the city's main square making it very popular.

Hostal Alfonso X11 (www.hostal-alfonso12.com) - Cottage like with original beams , stylish rooms and terracotta tiles.

Cuenca

Cuenca is set on the edge of the Jucar and the Huecar gorges and is full of ancient buildings that are known as casas colgadas (hanging houses). It has to be said these houses look as if they are clinging onto the steep sides for dear life.

Sights

The Puente San Pablo

Use this fine iron footbridge to cross the ravine to get a better view of the casa colgadas.

The Museo de Arte Abstracto Espanol (www.march.es)

The Museo de Arte Abstracto Espanol is located in one of the 15^th century hanging houses and is a designated World Heritage Site.

This museum is important and has a permanent exhibit that contains hundreds of sculptures and paintings by leading Spanish figures in the world of abstract art such as Antonio Saura, Antoni Tapies, Eduardo Chillida and Pablo Serrano.

The Museo de Arte Abstracto Espanol is open Tues- Fri 11am - 2pm, 4pm - 6pm, Sat 11am - 2pm, 4pm - 8pm & Sun 11am - 2.30pm.

The Catedral

The Catedral at Cuenca is of Gothic style mixed with French influence and 20^th century restoration.

The main alter in the Catedral is by Ventura Rodriguez and the doors of the chapter rooms are by Berruguette.

The Catedral is open Mon - Fri 10am -2pm, 4pm - 7pm, Sun - 4pm - 6.30pm

Entry is 2.80 Euros.

Budget Accommodation

Pension central - Located in the new town this pension is cheap, clean and tidy with a washbasin and TV.

Pension La Tabanqueta

This is a listed building and you will be hard to beat the room prices. Some of the rooms even have great views of Rio Jucar. The Pension La Tabanqueta also has a restaurant and bar.

Posada de San Jose (www.posadasanjose.com )

This is a former 17^th century choir school and has retained some of its monastic charm. Here you will enjoy superb views and fresh flowers in the rooms.

The restaurant here is recommended.

La Bodeguilla de Basilio

This place is great with a wonderful restaurant out the back. When you order a drink you will be given a complimentary plate of tapas.

Source: Europe on a Shoestring - The Lonely Planet
www.sacred-destinations.com
www.spain.info