Today I would like to share with you the perfect tourist route for lovers of Renaissance architecture, nature, and lamb!
Surely many of you have heard about Ubeda and Baeza, Renaissance cities par excellence in the province of Jaen; or the Sierra de Cazorla Segura and Las Villas.
But on the north side of the Sierra de Segura, in the province of Albacete, in Castilla la Mancha, also the home of Don Quixote, we find the town of Alcaraz.
Alcaraz is a walled city that stands on a hill, with its castle, now in ruins, dominating the landscape.
The lands of Alcaraz are rich in history. We find in the area Neolithic settlements, also Iberian, and it was an important transit route for Phoenician merchants. Later on, Romans also settled in the area. Alcaraz was part of Al Andalus until it was conquered by the Christians in the 13th century. Alcaraz, became a city of commercial and artisanal importance, as a border area between the Kingdom of Granada, Andalusia, and Castile. Perhaps not a very large city, but noble, with history and tradition, so important that it was granted several titles, among them ‘The Key to all Spain.’
Beyond its rich history, Alcaraz is a privileged place, both for its location, at the foot of the Sierra de Alcaraz and Segura, the forests and rivers that surround it, the famous Calares de Rio Mundo, with an impressive waterfall of 80 meters, that originates from a cave, the Batanes Waterfall, its proximity to Las Lagunas de Ruidera, the mountains… But Alcaraz is not only a spectacular natural paradise, the city is a jewel of Renaissance architecture. Walking through its streets is like taking a leap in time to the Renaissance, to the times of the architect Andres de Vandelvira, known above all for his work in Ubeda and Baeza. Of course, his hometown is not far behind in beauty, beating the cities of Jaen in tranquility, and we can also say that in the beauty of its landscapes.
The gastronomy of the area is any foodie’s dream. Although the king dish of local gastronomy is Segureño lamb, the Castilian cuisine is delicious. From its atascaburras, migas de pastor, of course the Manchego ratatouille or the Ajo mataero. My favorite restaurant in Alcaraz is without a doubt Asador Alfonso VIII. But JM Restaurant is great too. For tapas, La Lonja or the Casino are great. The local bakery is wonderful, not only for its Castilian bread but also for its homemade ratatouille empanadillas and its Valencian magdalenas. I always take a bag with me! Best I ever had! The city also has hostels, hotels, and rural houses for all budgets. At the tourist office, you can find information about different hiking routes in the mountains and they will help you find what you need during your time in the town.
If this summer you get tired of the noise and tourists on the beach, don’t hesitate to make an escape for a few days inland. You don’t even have to drive to get to Alcaraz since it is located on the bus route between Seville and Barcelona. From Granada, I go to Ubeda. From there the bus takes you to Puente Génave, where it stops for a while to continue to Alcaraz, stopping at the El Cazador Restaurant. Alcaraz is ideal as a base place to visit the part of the province of Albacete that borders Andalusia. And if you have a vehicle and a few days, even better. Don’t hesitate to get away this summer!
(Feature/Where To: Alcaraz, Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha)