Free walking tours in Yepes and what to see

Must-sees

Yepes is on the Mesa de Ocaña, in the north-east of the province of Toledo, very close to the Madrid border. Its great monument is the collegiate church of San Benito Abad, known as the cathedral of La Mancha. It was designed by Alonso de Covarrubias, master builder of Toledo cathedral, in white stone, mixing late Gothic and early Renaissance. It has three naves and a tall tower visible from afar.

The old town keeps remains of its walls, with projecting towers and several 15th-century gates, including the Toledo or Carmen gate. The Plaza Mayor has large stone arcades on two sides and was remodelled in the 18th century from the old archbishop's palace. Do not miss the Isabelline Gothic pillory or the Carmelite convent. Vineyards and olive groves stretch around the town.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Yepes. The activity you can book is a winery visit, a good way to learn about the local wine tradition and taste its wines. The town is easy to explore on your own, and it is an easy day trip by car from Toledo, Aranjuez or Madrid.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the collegiate church, the Plaza Mayor, the town gates and the pillory. Add the winery visit and make it a full day with a leisurely lunch in town. Ideally combine it with Ocaña, which has a large Plaza Mayor and is very close, or with Aranjuez and its gardens, about twenty minutes away.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Yepes is limited, with a few rural houses and apartments in the old town, near the Plaza Mayor and the collegiate church. From there you can see everything on foot and enjoy the town when it is at its quietest. If you cannot find a room, Ocaña is a few minutes away, and Aranjuez has much more variety. Toledo is another option if you want to stay in a city and come on a day trip.