Monastery of Ucles
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Monastery of Ucles - by Andy Hernadez on Google
Description
The Monastery de Santiago de Uclés was initially built as a fortress at the top of a hill west of the village of Uclés, in Castile-La Mancha, at the end of the 9th century when the region was still ruled by the Moors. After the Christians reconquered the area in 1174, the building was given to the Order of Santiago who made it their main headquarters - the organization's purpose was twofold: protect Christian pilgrims on the Way of St James (Camino de Santiago) and push the Moors out of the Iberian Peninsula. The monastery in its current form was built and expanded over several decades during the 16 / 17th centuries and mixes several architectural styles such as Plateresque, Herrerian, Baroque and Churrigueresque (a Spanish Ultra-Baroque style) that is best seen on the main facade.
Access & Transport
By car from Madrid, it is a 100km drive on the R-3/A-3 until exit 90 just past Tarancon and onto the CUV-7021 for the last 5km. Cuenca is 75km away on the A-40. It is possible to go by regional train from Madrid's Atocha station to Tarancon but you'll need to find private transport for the last 15km of your journey.
Instructions & Recommendations
The monastery can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Make sure you double check the hours on this page: https://www.monasterioucles.com/horarios-y-tarifas If you have the time, the city of Cuenca and its Cathedral (to the east) are worth a visit and so are Ocana and Aranjuez' Royal Palace (to the west, possibly on the way to / from Madrid). Much closer (13km away) there are the Roman ruins of Segóbriga, just south of Saelices.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. Preserve the region's architectural and historical heritages. It also brings some economic influx to the surrounding villages
Conclusion
The Monasterio de Uclés has a remarkable history first as a Muslim fortress, then tied to the Order of Santiago, and then as a monastery. It is also stunning from the outside but the interior will disappoint some, as such we would mostly recommend this visit to travellers on a regional itinerary and to history buffs.
Key positive
Good examples of Plateresque and Herrerian designs
Key negative
Expensive considering the extent of what there is to see inside
No other tourist sights in the area
Suitability
Suitable for all ages but best for aged 12 and above (younger children are unlikely to find it interesting). Only the ground floor is accessible for wheelchair users: the patio, the church and refectory
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 15m
est. visit time:1h 30m
MONDAY -
TUESDAY10:30 - 13:30
WEDNESDAY10:30 - 13:30
THURSDAY10:30 - 13:30
FRIDAY10:30 - 13:30
SATURDAY10:30 - 13:30
SUNDAY10:30 - 13:30
MONDAY -
TUESDAY16:00 - 19:00
WEDNESDAY16:00 - 19:00
THURSDAY16:00 - 19:00
FRIDAY16:00 - 19:00
SATURDAY16:00 - 19:00
SUNDAY16:00 - 19:00