Almagro, Castilla la Mancha
Almagro, Castilla la Mancha - Overview:
Almagro is a picturesque town with some of the best preserved old theatre sites in the world. Duing July it hosts Spain's most important classical theatre festival the 'Festival Internacional de Teatro Clasico de Almagro.' This area has a turbulent history and a rich heritage which is best reflected in its abundance of monuments and historic buildings.
Almagro, Castilla la Mancha - History:
The earliest origins of Almagro, according to historians, are pre-historic. The Palaeolithic remains discovered in what is today the town of Nava (on the Camino de Santa Cruz) and the remains found in Motilla de los Palacios de Torroba from the Bronze Age, all indicate that this is true.
These territories were occupied by Oretano tribes, who developed mining, especially in Sisapo (Almaden) and Castulo (near Linares) as well as basic agriculture and livestock farming. In Iberian times, both lead and silver were already being extracted although, according to the Roman historian Pliny, it was not until the Carthaginians arrived that large-scale mining started.
When the Romans colonised the area, Almagro became an important strategic crossroads for the transfer of troops and goods to and from Toledo. Almagro was at the centre of communication between Canada de la Plata, Sierra Morena and the Via de Toledo in Andujar. Later the Visigoths and Arabians helped to establish the town, its customs, culture and identity. Almagro was a key point between the Guadalquivir and Tajo Valleys for both Moors and Christians.
From the 13th century intense battles were fought in the Almagro area, with both Christians and infidels passing through these coveted lands. The region also witnessed continuous confrontations (treason and intrigue) between the imperialist throne and the nobility.
From these turbulent times arose the religious and military Orders that would become so important in the area - the Order of Calatrava (half monks, half soldiers) along with the vanguard and stronghold of the Kingdom of Castile. As a reward for their bravery, the Calatravans reaped rich rewards and privileges in the form of towns, estates and priories.
Almagro grew so fast that at the beginning of the 13th century that it became the centre of the Order of Calatrava. In the shadow of such intrepid benefactors, Almagro grew to govern a large part of La Mancha. It controlled 74 towns, 56 estates and 16 priories.
The power of the Order grew to such an extent that the Calatravan Knight, Pedro Giron nearly married Isabel of Castile, who would later become the Catholic Queen. However, he died suddenly in suspicious circumstances. According to the chronicles of the time (late 15th century): On that day (of the wedding) he fell so ill that he died. The doctors were unable to understand the reason for his illness. There was great suspicion that a group of nobles had poisoned him.
Almagro, Castilla la Mancha - Our holiday accommodation and service:
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So, if you're looking for an activity or nature holiday, walking, cycling, trekking or bird watching; a spot of rural tourism soaking up the traditional Spanish culture and heritage with historic sightseeing in Castille; exploring fairytale castles, beautiful countryside and fascinating villages, rural towns and historic cities such as Toledo; following the historic pilgrims routes or silver route; sampling hearty rural Spanish fayre or simply enjoying a shopping trip or city break in Madrid, Spain's capital city; call our holiday team today.
Many of our clients enjoy touring holidays through central Spain, to experience the unique areas of Castilla la Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Extremadura and Madrid in one holiday. We are therefore very happy to arrange itineraries for you staying in a selection of different Parador hotels along your chosen route. We can also assist you with flights to Madrid and other areas of central Spain, ferry travel, holiday car hire and travel insurance.
