Discover Chumillas: Culture, River Trails and Rural Traditions

Culture and History

At the highest point of Chumillas, next to the tower, stands the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. It is the town’s most important cultural heritage site and occupies a central position in the town centre. As a single-nave Romanesque church, it has an apse and an espadaña bell gable. El Torrejón was built at the highest point of Chumillas next to the church; the Gothic watchtower dates from the 12th or 13th century.

The traditional architecture of Chumillas preserves typical features of La Mancha, including simple façades and the predominant use of masonry. The PR-CU 52 De Puente a Puente hiking trail passes the 16th-century Puente de Chumillas.

The Ciriyuelos archaeological site is a Late Antique and Visigothic settlement dating from the 3rd to the 7th century; its buildings were constructed from local limestone using dry-stone masonry. So far, almost an entire settlement block has been excavated at Ciriyuelos, containing a residential unit with a large production area.

Northeast of Chumillas, on the Río de la Vega, lies La Fuente Grande, a hydraulic heritage complex with an enclosure designed as a park, a restored washhouse and active water features. From Chumillas, this complex can be reached via a 100-metre footpath heading west along a rural track, and it lies on the right bank of the river.

Landscape and Trails

Chumillas lies in a transition zone between the plain of La Mancha and gentle hilly landscapes that suggest the proximity of the Cabriel. Rural paths make it possible to cross the municipality while enjoying wide views across the agricultural landscape.

The 121-kilometre Camino Natural along the Río Valdemembra follows the river from its source in Chumillas to Valdeganga. The 36-kilometre Camino Natural along the Río Gritos follows the river, which rises in Chumillas and flows into the Embalse de Alarcón. Along the Río Gritos, the trail heads northeast over comfortable unpaved natural paths while remaining in contact with nature.

The different scales of the trails provide you with a clear basis for comparison when planning your own trip.

When selecting a holiday apartment in Chumillas, you can compare your desired travel focus with the information on the respective listing page: travel dates, room category and cancellation policies define the formal framework. This allows the choice of location to be combined with the cultural, landscape and trail themes described.

Other places: Zafra De Záncara, Jabalera, El Provencio, Almodóvar del Pinar, La Almarcha, Los Hinojosos, Villarrubio, Valdeganga de Cuenca

Traditions

The Jornadas Rurales have reached their 13th edition and are established as an event that brings together sustainability, traditional architecture, crafts, culture, participation by the village community and community spirit.

The patron saint festivals in honour of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción take place on the first or second weekend of August and last three days. The programme includes games, theatre, performances by various orchestras, fancy-dress dancing and shared meals.

During the Caridades de San Pedro and San Juan, the local women bake traditional cakes made from flour and anise in the oven; afterwards, flour is thrown throughout the town. The Ermita de San Antonio is located near Chumillas, is associated with popular festivities and serves as a meeting place on special occasions.

Historic agricultural buildings in Chumillas are connected with wine production and reflect the historical importance of viticulture in the region.

To the overarching travel overview: Cuenca.