Belmonte

Home to a spectacularly well-preserved 15th-century star-shaped castle that has appeared in numerous films. The town also retains medieval walls and a collegiate church worth exploring.

Things to do

• Tour the Castillo de Belmonte — This immaculately restored 15th-century star-shaped fortress, built for Don Juan Pacheco, has served as a filming location for movies like El Cid and 1492: Conquest of Paradise.
• Visit the Colegiata de San Bartolomé — This Gothic collegiate church houses a magnificent carved choir stalls that were originally made for Cuenca Cathedral.
• Walk the medieval town walls — Stroll along surviving stretches of Belmonte's 15th-century defensive walls, still punctuated by original gates like the Puerta de Chinchilla.
• Explore the Plaza Mayor — The town's main square is lined with traditional Manchegan houses and makes a pleasant stop for coffee between sights.
• See the birthplace connection to Fray Luis de León — Belmonte was the birthplace of this celebrated 16th-century poet and theologian, commemorated with a plaque in the old quarter.
• Climb the castle's watchtower — For sweeping views over the La Mancha plain, climb to the highest point of the castle's keep.

Food to try

• Gachas manchegas — A rustic savory porridge made from flour, olive oil, and often chorizo or bacon, typical of rural Castilian cuisine.
• Morteruelo — A warm, spiced pâté-like dish made from liver and game meats, a signature specialty of the Cuenca province.
• Migas manchegas — Fried breadcrumbs cooked with garlic, chorizo, and peppers, a hearty traditional dish found in most local restaurants.
• Queso manchego — Sample the region's famous sheep's milk cheese, often served with quince paste (membrillo) as a starter.
• Pisto manchego — A slow-cooked vegetable stew of tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini, similar to ratatouille and a staple of the region.

Local customs & good to know

• Expect a midday closure — Many small shops and some restaurants close for a few hours in the early afternoon in keeping with traditional Spanish siesta hours.
• Check castle opening times in advance — The Castillo de Belmonte has seasonal hours and occasionally closes for private events or filming, so it's worth confirming before visiting.
• Dress modestly for the collegiate church — As an active place of worship, visitors should wear appropriate clothing when touring the Colegiata de San Bartolomé.
• Visit during Semana Santa if possible — Holy Week processions in Belmonte are a deeply rooted local tradition and offer a vivid glimpse into regional religious customs.