Villahermosa: Lagoons, Culture and La Carrasca

Villahermosa, with the Laguna Blanca, lies within the municipality in the Parque Natural de las Lagunas de Ruidera. Another lagoon is La Nava, also within the municipality and located on the Navalcaballo estate. The Las Hazadillas and Era Vieja wildlife reserve in the municipality serves numerous protected species as a habitat, breeding ground and overwintering area.

Nature

The Laguna Blanca is recommended for bathing because of its clear, clean and shallow water. Together with the protected wildlife of Las Hazadillas and Era Vieja, this brings different nature-related themes together. For your own planning, water, the lagoon landscape and wildlife observation can be considered as different focal points without combining them into a single experience.

Culture and History

A prominent historical landmark is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in October 1991. It has an 18th-century organ that is used for special musical events during the year. The church can be visited.

Several buildings also reflect the town’s architectural history. The 17th-century Casa Márquez is an example of traditional Manchegan architecture. The Casa del Marqués de Mudela was built in the 16th century and can only be viewed from the façade. The Casa del Marquesado displays traditional features of Manchegan architecture, including whitewashed façades and roofs with Arabic tiles.

A 16th-century building has a stone portal with a semicircular arch; above the lintel is a coat of arms bearing a Cross of Caravaca. Such individual architectural details provide concrete insights into the town’s history that can also be noticed during a short walk.

Faith and Local Routes

The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Carrasca is an unusual combination of a sanctuary and a bullring. The associated chapel was built in the 16th century and remodelled several times in the 17th and 18th centuries. The La Carrasca pilgrimage takes place there on the second weekend of September.

During the transfers associated with the Virgen de la Carrasca, the Ermita de Azuer, particularly between Villahermosa and its sanctuary, serves as a place of worship and rest. The religious connection is thus evident both in the buildings and in the routes and the annual pilgrimage date.

A self-guided exploration of the town is offered by Un paseo por Villahermosa. The route can be followed independently thanks to 17 information panels at the municipality’s most important monuments and sites; via QR codes, the panels provide historical information, photographs or videos about the respective attractions. The combination of a self-guided walk and additional digital information allows visitors to set their own priorities.

Crafts and Cuisine

The Muestra Permanente de Artesanía Popular presents an exhibition designed by the Villahermosa craftworkers’ association featuring a variety of traditional handicrafts from the region; some pieces are available for sale. Visits are possible in the morning and afternoon by prior appointment.

Villahermosa’s local cuisine includes gazpacho manchego, pisto, roast lamb and traditionally made Manchego cheese. Nature, architectural heritage, religious tradition, crafts and cuisine therefore provide different thematic starting points for personal travel planning.

Other Places

Other place names for your own selection: Navalpino, Daimiel, Puebla De Don Rodrigo, Picón, Mestanza, Argamasilla De Alba, Almodóvar Del Campo, Manzanares

For the broader travel overview: Ciudad Real.