If you are thinking of taking a trip to the province of Ciudad Real, we propose a destination that will not leave you indifferent. We open the doors of Almagro, a town where you can enjoy an unforgettable journey through the culture of our country.
Many things are known about this city, which has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site because its urban centre has a lot to offer, but what else can you see besides a famous Corral de Comedias theatre from the Renaissance period? The answer is clear: a lot of things!
Almagro was and continues to be a reference for Spanish theatre through the centuries. A genre that proliferated in the 17th century and that is still very much alive today thanks to this town that has converted this element, one of the touristic references of the region of Castilla La Mancha.
The Corral de Comedias is quite relevant, as it has been a National Monument since 1955 and is the only one in Spain that perfectly preserves the original structure of the period. Its two floors still welcome the public today, especially during the celebration of the International Festival of Classical Theatre. You can visit it in the Plaza Mayor.
It has always been closely linked to the cultural side, especially to the theatre, so we recommend that you get to know this genre a little better through this Municipal Theatre, built in the year 1863, and the National Theatre Museum, where you can find everything from scores to costumes from the different plays and posters. A whole world around this artistic field.
But there is much more to see, starting with the Plaza Mayor, another of the city's emblematic sites, which was once the epicentre of the town’s commerce and is now the perfect place to enjoy its cuisine. Among other highlights of the Plaza Mayor we find the Casa del Mayorazgo de los Molina, and the Casa de los Rosales, which are ancestral homes of the former nobility.
Other things that can be enjoyed are the palaces, more specifically six of them. All of them were built during the 16th century and most of them were owned by the wealthiest families in the area. Yes, feel like a real king in Almagro!
Moving on to the architecture of worshipping nature, we can find in the city several churches, such as the Mother of God and San Blas, as well as convents being the case of the Blessed Sacrament, Santa Catalina de Siena, the Assumption of Calatrava whose purpose was to be a hospital, or Our Lady of the Rosary, which was the first university in Almagro.
But places of interest in this area of La Mancha are not over yet, since there is much to see and visit. Many surprises that will make you enjoy Almagro to the fullest.
And, of course, if all this cultural route has whetted your appetite, we suggest you try its cuisine. A traditional cuisine in which products such as the aubergine predominate, very typical from this region and prepared in the Arab style. Those who like hearty dishes will love the duelos y quebrantos, a famously named scramble of egg, bacon and chorizo. Also, gachas and pisto elaborated in the manchego style will add a touch of flavor to your trip.
And if the locals of Almagro know a lot about traditional cuisine, they also know about festivities and celebrations in general, making theatre their flagship, every July they celebrate the International Classical Theatre Festival, as well as the Ibero-American Contemporary Theatre Festival - a real treat for theatre lovers!
