Calatrava ruins, Ciudad Real

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Quite famous spot in the region huh? But very singular however Fritz!
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  Very good description! And you added a tip for a unique visit!
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  Nice drawing ;-)
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The Archaeological Park of Alarcos and Calatrava presents a singular duality, illustrated by Christian and Muslim cultures and manifested by 2 separate sites: Alarcos, a symbol of the Christian power and Calatrava, emblem of an Islamic already in decline but briefly revived past, under the Almohadian influence.

Both sites have in common their Bronze Age past and Iberian time heritage.

My experience, Explo description:

Calatrava Vieja, ancient Islamic City of Qal’at Rabah, is one of the most important medieval sites and best preserved in Spain.

Located at the edge of Rio Guadiana, its history goes from 6th to 12th century.
Exercising a crucial influence on the Meseta, controlling North-South and East-West (from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean) traffic axes, it was the seat of the caliphate power in the region.

In 1147 Alfonso VII took Calatrava and neighbouring Alarcos Castle. Under the pressure of the Almohadian dynasty, the first order of Hispanic knights was founded in Calatrava in 1158 : it took the name of the place.

Impressive fortified enclosure with pentagonals towers, ditches and knee doors.

In the Castle, beautiful entry, great Hall, water tank, Templar Knights Church and the Triumph Arch.

In the suburbs, you can see the remains of a mosque.

My personal recommendations:

I visited with a guided tour : it is much more interesting !

How getting there:

From Ciudad Real, take N 430 (or highway A-43 to Manzanares (East)) for 10km until Carrion de Calatrava. Cross the village and take to the North the small road that leads to the shrine of N. S. of Incarnation, 5 km away.

The archaeological site is 500 m from the sanctuary.

A tip to sleep:

Hospederia en el Convento de la Asuncion, plaza Egido de Calatrava
+34 926 882 087

Hotel in a former convent, with spacious double rooms between 34 and 40 €

Useful information:

Open hours:

Closed on Mondays.

summer(1/04 at 30/09) 10 : 00 to 21 : 00
winter (1/10 at 31/03) 10:00 to 18:00

Guided Tours :