Route Through The Windmills Of La Mancha
The windmills of La Mancha are part of the charm of Castilian literature. It was Miguel de Cervantes who popularized them in his novel El ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha . In it, its protagonist tried to confront them believing them to be dangerous giants. Today we want to get to know them a little better, will you join us?
The windmills of La Mancha , old colossi
Few of those mills remain that once impressed Don Quixote. However, those that are still standing have become objects of pilgrimage. They are both for lovers of the literary world and for tourists who want to discover corners full of charm.
They are colossi shrouded by the mystery and legends of this fabulous region. Today we walk through the lands of La Mancha to discover the most beautiful windmills that can still be enjoyed. And we have prepared a route so we don’t miss anything.
Day 1: Tembleque and El Romeral
The town of Tembleque is said to be the Puerta de la Mancha. Centuries ago it had six mills. Some of them were left in disuse and ended up being destroyed. However, we are still lucky enough to be able to contemplate some of those monsters imagined by Alonso Quijano.
For added joy, two of them have been restored a short time ago. Allowing us to know how it was its true appearance in ancient times.
For its part, El Romeral has four mills in fairly good condition. One of its highest hills houses this beautiful set that seems to be taken from a typical La Mancha postcard. The Festival of the Mills takes place here annually. It is an attempt to give them the historical and cultural prestige they deserve.
Day 2: Consuegra and Inheritance
Consuegra has twelve old flour mills. All of them in almost perfect condition. At first 13 were built, but one of them has not managed to reach our days.
These mills give shape to one of the most beautiful pictures of La Mancha. And, to give it even more charm, on its side we will recognize the magnificent silhouette of the renowned castle of La Muela.
For its part, Herencia had eleven mills in the count carried out in the 18th century. Sadly, only seven of them are still standing today. Teresa Panza, La Dueña Dolorida, La Duquesa and Maritornes are the names of those that have been restored more recently.
Day 3: Alcazar de San Juan and Campo de Criptana
Our route through the windmills of La Mancha now takes us to Alcázar de San Juan. There, on the hill of San Antón, we find four mills in admirable condition. Sadly, most of those that once occupied it were lost. And it is that it had a total of 19 mills.
The mills that survive tell us a new part of the Don Quixote legend. Today, some of them are being used by the city council as interpretation centers. Rocinante and Fierabrás stand out among them.
Now it is time to travel to Campo de Criptana. Of all the stops on the route of the windmills of La Mancha, this is one of the most important. This is so since Campo de Criptana is mentioned in the original text written by Cervantes. It is said that these were the mills that inspired the great author. We are talking about those that his main character mistook for threatening colossi.
Day 4: Mota del Cuervo and El Toboso
The last stop on our adventure walking among the windmills of La Mancha is Mota del Cuervo. Since 1967 this town has held the title of Balcón de la Mancha. The origin of the award is the wonderful views obtained from its highest point. That is to say, from the one where its mills are located.
Finally, we cannot leave this autonomous community without making a stop at El Toboso. This town is not the place to visit for its mills. However, it is clear as a quixotic reference point. And it is that the eternal beloved of the knight in sad armor called herself Dulcinea del Toboso.
There we will find a Cervantino Museum, as well as the Dulcinea House-museum. In both we will obtain more information about the La Mancha mills. The same as the popular writer who baptized this woman here.
