Mestanza between volcanic landscapes and mining heritage

Mestanza lies at the foot of the Valle de Alcudia y Sierra Madrona Nature Park. The different themes can be considered separately here: nature, culture, festival traditions and mining are interconnected through paths, buildings and special places.

Nature

When visiting the Laguna Volcánica de la Alberquilla, it is recommended to leave the vehicle in a place where it does not cause an obstruction, then continue on foot and respect the surroundings. The Centro de Interpretación de los Volcanes del Valle de Alcudia is part of the network of interpretation centres in Valle de Alcudia and Sierra Madrona. It is dedicated to the volcanoes of the Valle de Alcudia and examines their geomorphology and basic characteristics. The Ruta de los Volcanes passes through the various volcanic landscape areas in the municipality of Mestanza. The Ruta de los Miradores offers strategically located viewpoints overlooking the Valle de Alcudia and Sierra Madrona. Different route themes help you distinguish between landscape, geomorphology and panoramas when planning your own trip.

Culture

The Iglesia de San Esteban Protomártir in Mestanza is a religious building from the 16th century that can be visited. Above the southern portal, it preserves an inscription from 1657 and a stone coat of arms bearing the Cross of Calatrava; the church belongs to the Order of Calatrava. The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Antigua is a religious chapel from the 20th century that can be visited and houses a statue of the Virgin Mary from the 14th century, whose head, hands and depiction of the Child were restored in the 18th century. The rock art sites of Mestanza include the rock shelters concentrated in Collado del Pajonar, La Tabernera and the Callejones de Río Frío. These areas are designated as Bien de Interés Cultural and should be visited accompanied by experienced guides.

Traditions

On Jueves Lardero, the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, people of all ages in Mestanza head to the countryside to enjoy Hornazo, the traditional pastry of the town. The Fiestas y Romería de Nuestra Señora de la Antigua take place on 28 and 29 May and include lamb stew, Migas and religious processions with the image of the Virgin. The Fiestas Patronales de San Pantaleón are celebrated from 24 to 29 July and are traditionally known for their Encierros, or bull runs.

Other places in the same regional context are Campo De Criptana, Villanueva de San Carlos, Puerto Lápice, Santa Quiteria, La Alameda De Cervera, Daimiel, Arenas de San Juan and Castellar De Santiago.

Mining and routes

Mestanza's mining heritage includes the disused La Gitana mining complex. The Ruta de la Minería passes through several points in the Valle de Alcudia. The Ruta de la Trashumancia runs through the Valle de Alcudia and follows its dense network of livestock routes.

For the overarching travel overview: Ciudad Real.