Consuegra, and its windmills, is the land that Cervantes immortalized in Don Quixote. A tour not to be missed.
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if Consuegra is an unfamiliar name, no doubt you have heard of the adventures and illusory quest of Don Quixote of La Mancha.
The Knight of the Triste Figure, accompanied by the faithful squire Sancho Panza and riding the noble horse Rocinante, fights against windmills, keeping in his heart the image of a muse, his beloved Dulcinea. This never appears throughout the story, but is mentioned numerous times. Don Quixote’s madness always prevails over reality.
The novel (actually a parody of many historical novels) is Miguel Cervantes’ greatest work and the most important book in Spanish literary history.
And there is indeed a city, located in the region of Castile-La Mancha, between the plains of La Mancha and the Montes de Toledo, which tells part of this story. A tour through the fantastic Consuegra.
Consuegra: ancient city that you must visit
Despite having only about 10,000 inhabitants, Consuegra annually attracts thousands of visitors, who seek to discover not only the famous windmills of Don Quixote, but also monuments with over 2,000 years of history.
One of the city’s main attractions is Consuegra Castle, built in the 12th century and one of the best preserved Spanish castles. It is also worth visiting the Church of Santa Maria, known for its unique architecture, and the various museums in the city, such as the Museum of Sacred Art, the Museum of History and the Museum of Archeology.
Of Roman origin, a visit to this small town is an authentic journey back to medieval times, among monuments with many stories to tell.
The famous windmills
Located on Monte Calderico, a rocky ledge that rises above the plain of La Mancha, the set of twelve mills Consuegra It is the city’s main tourist attraction.
Dated from the century. XVI, each one is named after the characters of the famous novel by Don Quixote: Sancho, Rucio, Bolero, Espartero, Mochilas, Mambrino, Vista Alegre, Cardeño, Alcancía, Sparks, Caballero de Verdegabán and Clavileño.
Their function was to transform wheat into flour, and passed from generation to generation. Currently, five are still in operation, and the Sancho mill even maintains its original mechanism. This mill is also the stage for the annual Rosa del Azafrán de Consuegra festival.
Bolero is now a tourist office, Caballero de Verdegabán works as a restaurant, where visitors can taste products from the region, and Mambrino a small local shop.
Castillo de la Muela
Another point not to be missed is the Castillo de la Muela, or Castle of Consuegra, of Muslim origin, originally built in the 8th century. However, in 1813, its construction was destroyed during the Peninsular War, but the castle was rebuilt in 1962 by the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem.
It has three defensive enclosures and features a large central structure, with two cylindrical towers on the sides.
Currently, only the ruins of its fortress remain, and its visit is a journey back to medieval times.
Church of Santa Maria
The Church of Santa Maria was built in 1723 and was known for many years as the Church of the Convent of Santo António dos Franciscanos.
Its architecture is in the Mudejar style and its single nave is very typical of Toledo. Inside the church, there is a representation of the patron saint of Consuegra, Maria Santíssima a Branca.
Holy Christ Church of Vera Cruz
Built in the 18th century, the Santíssimo Cristo de Vera Cruz Church façade combines two architectural styles: Castilian-Mudejar and Neoclassical.
It has a large entrance hall and a dome crowned by a lantern, visible from almost anywhere in the city.
The site also has a museum that houses the collections and sacred objects of Santísimo Cristo de Vera Cruz, from the construction of the chapel to the present day.
square of spain
Located in the center of the city, Praça da Espanha is a mandatory stop on a visit to the city as it is where some of the main attractions meet.
In this square you will find important tourist attractions in Consuegra, such as the councilthe Town Hall, and the Museum of Archeology of Consuegra.
Museum of Archeology
Located in a 17th century building, in the city center and next to Praça de Espanha, the Consuegra Archeology Museum hosts different exhibitions ranging from the Neolithic period to the 19th century.
Its collection is made up of all kinds of objects, from weapons, royal seals, pieces of Roman remains, as well as everyday utensils used by the people who passed through the region.
Be sure to visit this rural tourism region and venture into the legends of medieval times and the fantastic, and imaginary, duels of Don Quixote with the giants. Put a visit to Consuegra on your agenda now.
