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Alcaraz village

Plaza Monumental, Alcaraz, Castilla-La Mancha

Description

Alcaraz is a village in the southwest of Albacete Province. The area was settled since the neolithic, but the earliest written references date from the 12th century, shortly before it was reconquered by the Christians of the Castillan King Alfonso VIII. It received the title of city in 1429 and then went through a turbulent era during the fight for dominance between the Christian Kings (Reyes Católicos) and Juana de Castilla supported by the Marquis de Villena. Over time, the town's extensive geographic footprint and its power was reduced significantly as several hamlets emancipated. The highlights are concentrated around the Plaza Mayor, in particular the duo of the Torre del Tardón and the Church of the Santísima Trinidad (built in the 14/15th centuries in Gothic and Renaissance style). Of the castle there remains only ruins at the top of the hill.

Access & Transport

Alcaraz is 80km southwest of Albacete on the A-32 and 270km southeast of Madrid. There are bus services between Albacete and Jaen that stop here.

Instructions & Recommendations

Besides the city of Albacete, other tourist spots in the area include the Calares del Mundo y de la Sima national park, Villanueva de los Infantes, and the Lagunas de Ruidera natural park.

Meta review

Visitors acknowledge that the village is "in the middle of nowhere" but highly recommend a stop for travellers going through the area. They find the architectural complex of the Plaza Mayor quite unexpected and impressive. As for the Church of the Santisima Trinidad, those who have managed to take a look inside are complimentary about the Gothic altarpiece and the mix of Gothic and Renaissance ornamentation. Many reviewers commented that, unfortunately, the church was closed during their passage.

Environmental & Social

The main activities in the town have a low carbon footprint. Tourism is a welcome injection of activity and revenues in the local economy

Conclusion

Alcaraz draw is the architecture ensemble around the Plaza Mayor and, whilst it is truly enjoyable, there is no lack of them in Castile-La Mancha, so we would only recommend a trip there as part of a regional itinerary in the Albacete province or for those transiting through the area.

Key positive

Photogenic buildings surrounding the Plaza Mayor

Not busy with tourists

Key negative

Time consuming to get to (for most travellers)

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:2h 15m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningNo

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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