The Cryptan town has more historical monuments than the well-known mills

To mention Campo de Criptana is to take a look at Don Quixote. Both the recognizable image of the windmills and the fight that the nobleman of Cervantes undertook have become the hallmark of this beautiful town that treasures a wealth of historical buildings and cultural and artistic life. Despite this, the Cryptan town treasures much more buildings and monuments to see than the Don Quixote windmills.

The wind mills

The wind mills, an icon of Castilla-La Mancha

Definitely, the great attraction of the city. Windmills are known for their mention in chapter VII of the first part of Don Quixote, in the XVIII century. Until 10 Windmills sit on the slope and top of the hill between the landscapes of “Sierra de los Molinos” Y “Hill of Peace”.; three of them dated from the 16th century as the Infante Mill, Sardinero Mill and Burleta Mill. In 1978 were declared a Site of Cultural Interest.

Sara Montiel Museum

Sara Montiel Museum

Another of the best known windmills is the Culebro as it is the Sara Montiel Museum where we can see an exhibition-tribute to Sara Montiel, actress and singer of national and international trajectory more than remarkable, that collects all your successes and memories, Photographs, dresses and relics of different sign. At the museum entrance, a legend that leaves no room for doubt: “Sara Montiel, universal giant. The diva among the divas”.

further, You can choose to take the route of the mills that runs through the Sierra de los Molinos and the Plaza Mayor. It allows to know one by one the ten ‘giants’ that are still preserved in Campo de Criptana, the caves and the Albaicín neighborhood, in addition to visiting important monuments such as El Pósito.

the Granary

the Granary

During your visit to Campo de Criptana you should not miss El Pósito. This 16th century building, expanded in the 18th century during the reign of Carlos III, hosted an agricultural bank that, under the control of the City Council, lent grain to farmers in times of leanness in advance of the coming year. Its purpose was twofold: make loans in kind to farmers, that were reinstated the following year once the harvest was harvested, and regulate the wheat market, when the price of this and that of bread tended disproportionately to the rise, in order to avoid or mitigate possible social conflicts. Today it is the Municipal Museum, contains a permanent display of archeology, houses temporary exhibitions, conferences and institutional events.

Albaicín neighborhood

Albaicín neighborhood

Losing yourself among the beautiful streets of this Cryptan neighborhood is undoubtedly one of the best plans to make during this getaway. Albaicín brings together beautiful narrow and steep streets that in the form of a small labyrinth extends at the foot of the Sierra de los Molinos. This neighborhood includes stairways and a white and blue color that stains the houses and plinths of the city. Likewise, During the tour, you will be able to enjoy privileged views of the mills that at night appear as illuminated giants.

Parish Church ‘Our Lady of the Assumption’

Parish Church ‘Our Lady of the Assumption’

Perhaps the most historic religious building in the city. Raised by effort and pride on the part of the cryptans, thanks to your donations, work and material for the parish building that was burned in 1936 during the Civil War. already 1958 The current Church of Our Lady of the Assumption was inaugurated.

The large and high-rise parish stands out for its bell tower that can be seen from different points of the city. The most remarkable thing is the bay vault of the transept as well as the outer tower. Inside, in addition to the stained glass at the ends of the transept, representing Santo Tomas de Villanueva and San Juan de Ávila, two sculptural wood carvings are of interest: the so-called Virgin of Villajos from the late 13th century and the Cristo de la Expiración, this last one by Juan Cristóbal, 20th century artist. Likewise, The paintings that decorate the main altar by the painter Isidro Antequera and the simple and decorative borders of the small apse by Francisco Valbuena Jr. deserve the visitor's attention..

Cave-Silo

Cave silo Campo de Criptana

Due to its particularity, This cave is worth visiting since we cannot find historical buildings of such similarity in the Iberian Peninsula. It is located next to the 16th century Infanto Mill. This patrimonial resource of the town was used by the millers to store the wheat but that, over time, they became humble dwellings.

This cave-silo, that has been recently recovered and rehabilitated, lost its usefulness in the late 60 or early 70 of the last century and in it has been found numerous information on the customs of the time. Its interior is divided into two rooms, the one closest to the entrance has a fireplace and the one at the back, with a little manger.

Hermitages of Campo de Criptana

Hermitages of Campo de Criptana

Another of the most outstanding religious heritages of Campo de Criptana are the multitude of hermitages built between the 16th and 18th centuries, that have important artistic elements typical of the Renaissance and Baroque. Ermita de la Veracruz, Virgin of Peace, Santa Ana, among others are the hermitages that comprise the most outstanding religious monuments of the city of La Mancha.

How could it be otherwise, Campo de Criptana is also known for its gastronomy already mentioned by Cervantes in Don Quijote. One of the most prominent restaurants both for its idyll with the history of the town and its well-known specialties in local dishes and grilled meats is Scorching Restaurant Sancho's saddlebag. Undoubtedly a magnificent occasion to recall dishes of the time and enjoy one of the best meats from Spanish territory.

Scorching Restaurant Sancho's saddlebag

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