Free walking tours in Montiel and what to see

Must-sees

Montiel is a small village in the Campo de Montiel, in the south-east of Ciudad Real province, that gave its name to the whole area. Its main sight is the castle of La Estrella, on a hilltop next to the village. Today mostly wall remains and foundations on the rock survive, but recent excavations have uncovered an Islamic quarter, a necropolis and the old church of the Virgen de la Estrella. It was here, in 1369, that the war between Peter I and his half-brother Henry of Trastámara ended, with the king's death.

In the village, the parish church of San Sebastián, the hermitage of the Santísimo Cristo de la Expiración and manor houses such as Casa de Pretel are worth seeing. The town park is named after Peter I, in memory of that episode. Around the hill there are good walks through the valley of the river Jabalón, with views of the castle and the remains of San Polo castle.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Montiel. What you can book is a private tour of La Estrella castle, the best way to make sense of ruins that are hard to read without explanation and to learn the story of the battle. If you are touring the area, Villanueva de los Infantes is the usual base for guided visits around the Campo de Montiel.

How long to spend

Around three hours are enough for the village and the climb to the castle, a little more if you take the guided visit at leisure. The most practical plan is to combine it on the same day with Villanueva de los Infantes, about fifteen minutes away by car. With two days you can visit other villages in the Campo de Montiel and head to the Lagunas de Ruidera. Climb the hill early or at sunset, because in summer the heat is fierce and there is hardly any shade.

Where to stay

Montiel has little accommodation, limited to a few rural houses in and around the village, a good option if you want peace and to walk up to the castle. If you cannot find a room, Villanueva de los Infantes has more places to stay, many in old houses in its historic centre, and is very close. To combine with the lakes, Ossa de Montiel or Ruidera are another alternative.