Discover La Solana: Culture, Nature and Holiday Rentals

La Solana combines the world of Zarzuela theatre with a rich history, religious architecture and landscapes inhabited by protected species. At its heart is the annual Semana Nacional de la Zarzuela, held in La Solana since 1984 and recognised as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional. La Solana also lies along the seventh section of the Ruta de Don Quijote.

Culture and History

The Museo La Rosa del Azafrán presents the history and culture of La Solana in a visitor tour related to the structure of the town. The exhibition is divided into six thematic areas based on the structure of the Zarzuela La Rosa del Azafrán. Interactive elements include audio content by the author of La Rosa del Azafrán, models of Zarzuela stage sets and an interactive piano interface on which visitors can play various pieces.

The Plaza Mayor forms the historic centre of the town and is recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural. It is open to the public and can be visited. The Palacio Don Diego combines more recent architectural development with cultural use: the building was restored between 1990 and 1993 and converted into a cultural centre with an exhibition space, auditorium and training rooms.

The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is a Baroque building with classical tendencies and vaulted side chapels. It is also the surviving part of a former Trinitarian convent begun in 1624; the church was reconstructed in 1970. The Convento de las Madres Dominicas was founded in 1595. The Sala Noble or Sala de Juntas contains a Mudejar wooden-beam ceiling constructed in the Par y Nudillo style, with rich geometric decoration.

The Casa de la Encomienda was the seat of the La Solana encomienda and preserves an original tower of the Order of Santiago as well as a columned courtyard. The Ermita de San Sebastián is considered the oldest religious temple in La Solana; its construction is dated to the 14th or 15th century, although no more precise date has been established. The building has an early Gothic structure and a Mudejar roof with polychrome inlay work and mother-of-pearl decoration.

Faith and Visitor Experiences

The Ermita del Humilladero is the seat of the Cofradía de la Virgen de Peñarroya, the patron saint association of La Solana. The Virgen de Peñarroya visits the hermitage twice a year: for her arrival on the second Saturday in September and for her departure on the Sunday after the feast day of Saint Anthony. At Orígenes de Santa Catalina, visitors can see the remains of the construction there through glass panels.

The Rutas Turísticas por La Solana comprise various routes where visitors can discover the town’s historical, gastronomic and artisanal heritage. The different thematic focuses allow you to compare cultural discoveries, local traditions and routes through the town.

Nature

The Microrreserva de los Albardinales de Membrilla-La Solana lies between the municipal areas of Membrilla and La Solana. The protected area is freely accessible to visitors. The municipality of La Solana is also an important area for protected species such as the Spanish imperial eagle, cinereous vulture, black stork and Iberian lynx.

Cuisine

Traditional dishes from La Solana include Gachas, Pisto, Migas, Asadillo, Caldereta de cordero, Moje vendimiador, Potaje de Pascua and the distinctive sweet called Viejas. The Dominican nuns also prepare traditional sweets called “Suspiros” for special occasions or to order. In La Solana, therefore, Zarzuela and architectural heritage are complemented by traditional dishes and local sweets.

More destinations

More destinations: Argamasilla De Alba, Fontanarejo, Fuente El Fresno, Pedro Muñoz, Villanueva De Los Infantes, Ciudad Real, San Carlos Del Valle, Montiel

To the overarching travel overview: Ciudad Real.