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 IV for the Ways of al-Andalus route, from the al-Andalus landscape to the rule of the military orders, is one of the ten journeys crossing the five provinces in the region and sheds light on a territory marked by history, spirituality and feudal power.

The route runs through the upper Guadiana River valley, between the foothills of the Montes de Toledo and Sierra Morena ranges. It visits the districts of Campo de San Juan and Campo de Montiel, territories that in the Middle Ages were domains of the powerful military orders of St. John of Jerusalem and St. James. The perfect trip for travellers looking for cultural routes bursting with history and heritage.

An Islamic legacy hidden under Christian fortresses

Although today the landscape is dominated by churches, castles and medieval Christian villas, this area dates to the Islamic period, with sites documented between the 10th and 12th centuries. Although Islamic architectural remains are scarce - with exceptions such as La Estrella castle in Montiel or certain features in Alcázar de San Juan - this period’s footprint can be seen in the structure of the landscape and in the origin of many settlements.

The military orders took advantage of the old Islamic territorial organisation to establish their centres of Christian power, locating their encomienda labour systems and fortresses in former al-Andalus population centres.

From Islamic farmhouses to feudal lordships

The landscape underwent profound change. While in the 10th and 11th centuries Islamic farmhouses were predominant alongside fertile meadows and springs - with vegetable gardens and small herds that were easy to protect - from the 12th century onwards the territory evolved into a Christian feudal system, where the military orders imposed an economy based on transhumance and extensive cereal production. From the 14th century onwards, small plots of vineyards and olive groves were added to this model, giving rise to an agricultural landscape that has survived almost to the present day and that visitors can enjoy along the paths, trails and villages that preserve this memory today.