Top 5 Most Beautiful MTB Trails around El Pedernoso

The typical houses of La Mancha in Las Pedroñeras and the surrounding region feature a very distinctive architecture, characterized by functionality and adaptation to the climate and agricultural life. Traditional materials: They were built with rammed earth (compacted mud) and adobe bricks mixed with straw. The roofs were made with poles, reeds, and plaster, and reinforced with green esparto grass ropes. White facades and indigo baseboards: The whitewash served to keep the houses cool and disinfect the walls, while the indigo blue on the baseboards and frames had both a functional and superstitious origin (to ward off insects and evil spirits).

Return to the town of Campo de Criptana

This complex is made up of four lagoons: Manjavacas, Sánchez Gómez, La Dehesilla (in Mota del Cuervo), and Alcahozo (in Pedro Muñoz). It is a key point on the migratory routes of birds between Europe and Africa, which gives it international importance.

The Manjavacas Lagoon, located in the municipality of Mota del Cuervo (Cuenca), is part of the Manjavacas Lagoon Complex, a nature reserve of great ecological and scenic value.

Built in the 15th century by order of Don Juan Pacheco, first Marquis of Villena, the castle is a notable example of Gothic-Mudejar architecture. The castle has been restored and turned into a museum, and is now considered a Site of Cultural Interest. In addition to its rich history, the castle is known for events such as the National Medieval Combat Championship, which is held annually.

The municipality is in the region of La Mancha, bordering Cuenca and Toledo, and is known for the Pedro Muñoz-Mota del Cuervo lagoon complex. The old houses made of masonry and mud bricks stand out, such as the Casa de La Paca. Church of San Pedro: Built between the 17th and 18th centuries, with a Latin cross plan and a barrel vault.

The castle was built in 1456 by order of Juan Pacheco, a prominent nobleman during the reign of Henry IV. Its architectural style combines Gothic and Mudejar elements. It has a peculiar triangular plan and a strategic location on the top of a hill. Over the centuries, the castle has witnessed historical events, from visits by the Catholic Monarchs to restorations and cultural events. Today, the castle hosts exhibitions, dramatized tours, medieval combat tournaments and the impressive Trebuchet Park, which displays full-scale siege engines. 😊🏰

Views in the distance of the ruins of the Hermitage of Santa Ana, of whose past unfortunately only a few remains remain.