logo
ic_menu

Monastery of Ucles

Calle Castillo de Uclés, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha

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.

Meta review

Reviews for this monument are good but not exceptional. Most visitors agree to state that the building is extremely impressive and photogenic from the outside, the main entrance particularly so, but that the interior isn't as well maintained and decorated so that a long detour may not be warranted. There are recurring comments about the entrance fee, the quality of the audio-guide, and the opportunity that the visit offers to learn more about the tense relationship (putting it mildly) between Christian and Muslims in the Iberian Peninsula.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
The guided tours start at 10h30, 12h00, 16h00, 17h30. Closed 01 Jan, 06 Jan and 25 Dec.

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours
Period 1

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

Period 2

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

Pricing
Advanced non-refundable booking required
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Group price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€12
10
Adult
13 - 64
€12
10
Child
5 - 12
€6
10
Infant
0 - 4
€0
0

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.