Visitors looking to experience the essence of Spain so beautifully captured in Cervantes’ epic tale of Don Quixote need to travel no further than the town of Consuegra, on the the outskirts of Toledo. Consuegra can easily be visited as a day trip from either Toledo or Madrid.
Located about 40 minutes south of Toledo (60 km) and about 1.5 hours from Madrid (130 km), Consuegra is a prime example of a traditional village in La Mancha region. It is perhaps best known for the series of 12 restored windmills that dot the landscape. Five of those windmills even maintain their original mechanism, and one is known as “Sancho” in honor of Don Quixote’s trusted squire.
The scenery in Consuegra evokes the images immortalized in Cervantes’ tale of La Mancha that are so quintessentially Spanish, so be sure to have your phone/camera ready. The windmills date from the 16th C., and the ones that can be visited include a museum, a tourist office and a gift shop. There is even a working mill so that visitors can see how the windmills operated.
In addition to the windmills, visitors can see the Medieval Castillo de Consuegra. The castle fell into disrepair in the 18th-19th C., but it has been partially restored and can now be visited. The town of Consuegra is also very picturesque and should not be missed. Consuegra is known for the high quality saffron that is produced in the region, and the annual Rose of Saffron Festival that takes place in October. Be sure to stroll through the Plaza de España town square, with its 17th C. Renaissance-style Town Hall. Other places to visit include the churches of Santísimo Cristo de la Vera Cruz and Santa María la Mayor, the Municipal Archaeological museum, and the Cristo museum.
Photo Credit: Jebulon
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