The best running trails around Almansa

The Cueva del Quemao, also known as Cueva del Quemado, is a small shelter located on the La Centinela ravine near Almansa. Although it is currently in a state of neglect and mistreatment, it is an interesting place to explore if you are in the area. The cave has a history dating back to the 15th century, and although it is not very large, it offers a natural shelter that has been used by shepherds and farmers in the past. The route to the cave is popular with hikers and offers pleasant views, especially on foggy mornings.

The Mirador de la Senda del Museo in the Pantano de Almansa is an ideal place to enjoy panoramic views of the swamp and its natural surroundings. This viewing point is part of the Agua Viva project and serves as a resting point for migratory waterfowl. From the viewing point, you can observe a large part of the swamp and enjoy the tranquility of the place. In addition, it has benches to sit on and an explanatory panel that provides information about the fauna and flora of the area.

The floating walkway of the Almansa Reservoir, also known as the Pantalán del Dique, is a spectacular pedestrian platform measuring 64 metres in length. Inaugurated in April 2015 and renovated a year later, this walkway is located on an artificial water containment dam.

The Palace of the Counts of Cirat, also known as “the Big House”, is a Renaissance-style building of civil character. It was built in the last quarter of the 16th century by the nobleman from Almansa, Don Alfonso de Pina. This palace is located in the Plaza de Santa María in the town of Almansa. This palace is a historical and architectural testimony that deserves to be appreciated for its beauty and cultural significance. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Almansa, I recommend exploring this magnificent Renaissance building. 🏰🌟

The original construction could have been the work of the Almohads, who often used the rammed earth technique for their defensive buildings. The remains of rammed earth walls in this castle, traditionally attributed to the Almohad period, were actually built during the first decades of Christian rule, at the end of the 13th century or beginning of the 14th century. In the 14th century, Almansa and its fortress were incorporated into the lordship of Villena. Don Juan Manuel took advantage of the previous construction and ordered its walls to be rebuilt.

The Archpriestal Church of the Assumption in Almansa is an impressive historical and architectural monument. Located in the Plaza de Santa María, next to the Palace of the Counts of Cirat, this church was built in several stages from the 16th to the 19th century.

This mill uses a canal approximately 2 km long, divided into two sections. One of approximately 1.5 km upstream and another that covers the rest. The canal is four meters wide and reaches seven meters in the last part of the first section, which serves as a dam. The mill has three floors. The walls perpendicular to the canal are made of stone, while the other walls are made of brick, following the typical construction of the area. Furthermore, next to the mill are the outbuildings that once served as housing for the former owners. If you are interested in exploring more, you can also visit Rambla de los Molinos, located in the old flour mill of the same name. It has been rehabilitated as a Nature Classroom and Environmental Interpretation Center. It offers an interesting overview of the socioeconomic, natural and physical environment of the Almansa district. 😊🌄🚶‍♀️

The patronage of this church - "Santa MARIA ASUNCION" or "Nuestra Señora de La Asunción" (in German-speaking countries it is called "Mariä Himmelfahrt") - refers to one of the many memorial or feast days in honor of the Mother of God Mary in the church year. It goes back to the feast of her bodily assumption into heaven, which the (Catholic) Church celebrates annually on August 15th. In Christian Orthodox churches the feast is celebrated under the name "Maria Entschläfung". In rural areas it is part of the local custom - depending on the region - that on this special day bundles of herbs are collected by the population and blessed in the festive service.