Alcaraz village
1 / 4
Alcaraz, Torre del Tardón - by Ignacio Lopez Martinez on Google
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.
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
av. transport time:1h 15m
est. visit time:2h 15m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo