Villamayor de Calatrava between Volcanic Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

The Morrón de Villamayor, known as “el Morrón”, reaches 773 m and rises approximately 30 m above the surrounding relief. Its rounded shape, steep walls and the front of the lava flow are clearly visible and illustrate the original volcanoes of Campo de Calatrava. The volcanic lagoon complex is also part of the landscape: during periods of heavy rainfall, it comprises around ten wetlands and is suitable for birdwatching all year round.

When comparing holiday apartments in Villamayor de Calatrava, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on accommodation websites.

Nature

Colonies of flamingos can often be observed in the shallow wetlands of Villamayor de Calatrava. Waders, ducks and geese, herons, harriers, the Spanish imperial eagle, the cinereous vulture, falcons and owls are also found there.

The cañadas, cordeles, veredas and paths running through the town are suitable for hiking and cycling, allowing you to discover the landscapes, flora and fauna of Villamayor de Calatrava. Trekking in the northern sierras takes you through Mediterranean vegetation; from the summits, there are views over the plains towards Argamasilla and Almodóvar.

The “El Minero” geopark route leads from the Morrón de Villamayor to the viewpoint at the monument to the miner in Puertollano and has no significant change in elevation.

History

A paved Roman road linking Toledo and Córdoba ran through Villamayor de Calatrava, from Puerto de Caracuel to Puerto de la Viñuela; remains of this road have been preserved.

The bridges over the Río Tirteafuera include a 15th-century bridge with three arches and semicircular brick arches, as well as a nearby 16th-century bridge with ten arches. The Lavadero de El Villarejo is a polygonal structure around a well and preserves the former washing place used by the villagers.

One Bronze Age burial site and three Visigothic burial sites attest to settlement before the town was founded; their remains are housed in the Provincial Museum of Ciudad Real. The Casa de los Caballeros de Calatrava was formerly the residence of commanders and is now a local museum housing documents, tools and historical objects related to rural and mining life.

Festivals and Traditions

Every year, from 30 April to 2 May, Villamayor de Calatrava celebrates the Fiestas de Mayo and the Romería in honour of the Virgen del Rosario. On 20 December 2013, the tradition was declared of regional tourist interest because of its artistic and cultural value.

The Canto de los Mayos is performed on the night of 30 April to 1 May and has been documented in Villamayor de Calatrava since at least the 18th century. The Romería de San Isidro takes place on 15 May in the El Villarejo area, approximately 3 km from the town; the saint is carried to the chapel, followed by a mass and communal meals.

During the Romería from Villamayor to Tirteafuera, the Virgen del Rosario is carried on foot. At the Río Tirteafuera, a traditional encounter takes place between the Virgin and San José. During the May Romería, participants stop at the La Cruz estate to enjoy traditional migas from La Mancha.

You can also find links to Arenales De San Gregorio, Villanueva de San Carlos, Fuencaliente, La Alameda De Cervera, Alamillo, Torralba De Calatrava, Almadén and Alcázar De San Juan.

For the broader travel overview: Ciudad Real.