The best traffic-free bike rides around Monreal Del Llano

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.

Mota del Cuervo, known as the “Balcony of La Mancha”, is a lovely place to visit. Here are some recommendations on what to see and do: Windmills, Church of San Miguel Arcángel, La Tercia Real. among many other things... ⛪🌄🚶‍♀️😎

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. 😊🏰

Unfortunately, nowadays they are often only monuments to a long tradition of craftsmanship: the heavy millstones were moved using the power of the wind alone to grind grains into flour (grain mills) or press oil from olives (oil mills). Sometimes - although rarely - the windmills also had the function of a pumping station and transported water to a higher level. But Miguel de CERVANTES (1547 to 1616) also created a literary monument to the technical monument of the mills: the most famous figure of the author, who is considered Spain's national poet and whose work can certainly be valued as world literature: "Don QUIXOTE", also known as the "Knight of the Sorrowful Countenance" and always accompanied by his loyal squire Sancho Panza, fights a - of course hopeless - battle against windmills in one of the fictional stories, in which he believes he recognizes four-armed giants.

This mountain where the Mota del Cuervo mills are located is known by the name "Balcón de La Mancha", as it has fabulous views wherever you look.