Explore the Andalusian heritage route in Castilla-La Mancha and immerse yourself in the beauty and history of its Islamic legacy. Discover centuries of cultural and architectural influence that enriched the art and culture of the region.

From north to south and east to west, Castilla-La Mancha reveals medinas, castles, fortresses, walls, palaces, mosques, public baths, fountains, cisterns, landscapes... A journey through time and space to see, feel, smell, taste and hear the richness of a unique cultural legacy. Al-Andalus shaped the current map of Castilla-La Mancha, and the itineraries of these Routes of al-Andalus allow us to enjoy a beautiful, rich and surprising tangible and intangible heritage.

Itinerary III for the Ways of al-Andalus route, From Dhimmi monasticism to the defence of Tulaytula, is one of the ten journeys crossing the five provinces in the region and sheds light on a world of monastic retreats and fortified sites.

This is the perfect destination for lovers of rural, nature and cultural tourism. The Montes de Toledo mountain range provides the backdrop, marked by the silence of its forests, the memory of its stones and its authentic beauty.

Montes de Toledo: at one with nature, history and spirituality

Located in the south of Toledo province, the Montes de Toledo region is an area where nature and history intertwine to offer a unique experience. Landscapes featuring pastures, meadows and forests, crossed by ancient natural roads between the Tagus and Guadiana valleys, have for centuries been spaces of connection, spiritual retreat and strategic defence.

During the Early Middle Ages, this area became a refuge for Dhimmi Christian monks, who founded major monasteries such as San Pedro de la Mata and Santa María de Melque. These monastic areas survived under Islamic rule thanks to the Dhimma contract, which guaranteed the protection of Jews and Christians in al-Andalus, allowing a religious coexistence that was rare in medieval Europe.

Land of castles, fortresses and resistance

Between the 8th and 10th centuries, Tulaytula (Toledo) led several revolts against the Emirate power of Córdoba. This instability turned the Montes de Toledo region into a dangerous frontier area, which led to the construction of castles and defensive towers such as Tolanca tower or

Mora castle.

After the conquest of Toledo by Alfonso VI in 1085, the region remained a military frontier against the Islamic kingdoms to the south. It was not pacified until after the victory at the Battle of Navas de Tolosa (1212), which made Christian repopulation possible. Nowadays, this history is preserved in places such as the castles of Almonacid de Toledo and Mora, awe-inspiring witnesses of a time when faith, war and landscape went hand in hand.