Villanueva de Alcardete: Culture, River Landscape and Wine

The Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago Apóstol is at the heart of Villanueva de Alcardete’s local history. It is considered the town’s most significant building in historical and art-historical terms. In the town centre, it stands next to the area known as Los Pretiles, which is regarded as a picturesque place to visit and relax.

Culture and History

Gothic-style vaults combine there with simple walls featuring Romanesque characteristics; the main altar, made of gilded wood, shows a clear Renaissance influence. The Pilar Abrevadero preserves its original fountain and has now been converted into an exhibition space. The Puente de Clemente is a six-arched bridge over the Río Gigüela; its construction may date back to Roman times. Crossing the Puente de Clemente is considered one of the more pleasant walks in Villanueva de Alcardete.

The Ermita de San Roque was built from 1575 onwards; its nave has a roof structure known as artesonado de par y nudillo. The festival in honour of the Virgen de la Piedad has held the designation “Fiesta de Interés Turístico Regional” since 2017. In Villanueva de Alcardete’s park stands the stone monument El Rollo, known locally as “Los Perretes”.

For further comparisons with other towns, you can visit Sartajada, San Pablo De Los Montes, Oropesa, Alameda De La Sagra, Buenaventura, Esquivias, Carranque and San Román De Los Montes.

Water and Landscape

The woodland area of Villanueva de Alcardete can be explored by bicycle or on foot; holm oaks, thyme and broom grow there. The poplar-lined riparian areas are visited by locals and other visitors on summer weekends and offer peaceful places with the sounds of water and the birds of the surrounding area.

The Río Gigüela is part of the “Caminos de Agua” programme, which connects Cuenca and Ciudad Real, two cities in the region, over 238 kilometres in four sections. Along the Río Gigüela are the mills Casa Molina, Batán, Escardillo and Asperilla, set in surroundings characterised by varied vegetation. Caves lie in the landscape between cultivated fields and chaparral.

Paths through the Landscape

A centuries-old livestock trail runs through vineyards. Along it are shelters known as “Chozos”, including Chozo Serapio, where farmers and livestock keepers sought protection. The different landscape and cultural themes can be considered side by side for your own planning and arranged according to your preferred focus.

When comparing a holiday apartment in Villanueva de Alcardete, you can match travel dates, accommodation type and cancellation conditions to your preferred focus. Local history, river landscapes, paths and wine offer different themes for your own planning, without any one area having to determine your stay.

Wine and Cuisine

El Lagar de Muros is a traditional Manchegan bodega and agricultural estate with a history beginning in 1898. Wine tastings and wine courses are offered there. Traditional dishes from Villanueva de Alcardete include Atascaburras, Gazpacho Manchego, pickled partridge or Perdiz dishes and homemade desserts; local wines from the DO La Mancha are recommended with them. A dish is served with good bread and wine from Villanueva.

For the higher-level travel overview: Toledo.