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Ciudad Real city (Spain)

Plaza Mayor, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha

Description

Ciudad Real is the capital of the namesake province, in the southwest of Castile-La Mancha. It was founded in the 13th century and granted the status of city in 1420. Up to the 19th century it was challenging Manzanares and Almagro for regional dominance and the city centre was heavily impacted by the Spanish civil war. The main sights include the Toledo Gate (a part of the medieval wall that is still standing), the Plaza Mayor and the churches of San Pedro and Santiago.

Access & Transport

The city is on the AVE train line and it takes a mere 50mins to/from Marid Atocha station, 1h to Cordoba and 2h to Sevilla. By car, it is a 180km drive from Madrid via Toledo on the A-42/N-401, 205km to Albacete and 190km to Cordoba.

Instructions & Recommendations

This activity can easily be combined with a visit of the town of Almagro, only 25km away. Or for something more outdoorsy you can head to the Tablas de Daimiel national park.

Meta review

Ciudad Real isn't known as a tourist magnet and online reviews confirm that, especially from international travellers who in majority state that they were disappointed. The Toledo Arch generates some "ok but nothing really special" comments and the Plaza Mayor gets mixed reviews with some visitors finding it much better in reality than on pictures with a lively ambience whilst others found it needed some upgrading / clean up.

Environmental & Social

The main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint. Tourism helps preserve some of the city's architectural and cultural heritage

Conclusion

Ciudad Real isn't a city with a lot to offer to travellers but is a good base to explore the south of the La Mancha region or to break the journey south towards Andalucia.

Key positive

A few interesting museums and churches

Excellent train connectivity with Madrid and Seville

Key negative

No tourist highlights that really justify a long-distance journey

Suitability

Most areas and buildings are accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:5h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningNo

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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