Discover Manzanares: Castle, Museums, Stars and Milling History

Culture and History

The history of Manzanares includes Castillo de Pilas Bonas, a 13th-century building. It was constructed in the first half of the 13th century by the Order of Calatrava and designated a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) in 1979. The castle is designated as a building open to visitors and used for tourism.

The Iglesia Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción has a Latin-cross floor plan with an area of 1,200 m² and five side chapels. Its south portal on the southern façade dates from the 16th century and is considered one of the finest sculptural ensembles in the province of Ciudad Real. The church is designated as open to visitors.

The stately and aristocratic houses of Manzanares reflect the economic, social and artistic power of the local Hidalgo families between the 16th and 18th centuries. The Archivo-Museo Ignacio Sánchez Mejías offers another personal perspective: press articles, letters, posters, photographs, recordings, book covers, projections and personal belongings provide insights into his life.

Museums and Regional Specialities

The Museo Manuel Piña preserves and communicates the legacy of designer Manuel Piña (1944–1994), who was born in Manzanares. It is housed in a 16th-century mansion. In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum offers workshops and guided tours.

The Museo del Queso Manchego is located in a mansion dating from the late 17th century in the historic centre of Manzanares. Its tasting room allows visitors to sample Queso Manchego and learn how to identify the product correctly. The museum also explains the pastoral background of Manchego cheese and its production process, including the obtaining of the raw material.

The museums therefore offer different approaches: Manuel Piña is presented through his legacy and the exhibition, while the focus at the Queso Manchego museum is on tasting, the pastoral background and production.

Paths, Nature and Milling History

The Paseo del Sistema Solar is a circular route a little over one kilometre long, divided into two sections. Scale-model planets and explanatory panels containing scientific information accompany the route. Its length and division into two sections make it easier to compare this attraction with the other ways of exploring Manzanares.

The Molino Grande is a 16th-century grain mill on the right bank of the millrace of the Río Azuer, a tributary of the Guadiana. In the complex, visitors can see the living quarters used by former millers and follow the grain-processing process from harvesting to milling. In 2018, the Molino Grande was opened to the public as an interpretation centre for traditional milling.

The Río Azuer is recommended as a natural attraction in Manzanares. Part of the municipality of Manzanares is designated as an area of importance for the Spanish imperial eagle, griffon vulture and lynx.

Visitor Information

The Oficina de Turismo of Manzanares is located at the corner of C/ Empedrada and Plaza de la Constitución. Manzanares Town Council offers guided tours of the city's historic sights.

Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Manzanares can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on booking sites; the town's highlights range from the castle and museums to the Paseo del Sistema Solar and its milling history.

Other Places

Saceruela, Valdepeñas, Campo De Criptana, Torralba De Calatrava, Llanos Del Caudillo, Porzuna, Puertollano, Moral De Calatrava

For the higher-level travel overview: Ciudad Real.