Spanish Central Plateau Adventure ~ Cuenca (Region) Built in the 16th century, this gate formed the second wall of the town of Cuenca. It consists of a semicircular arch topped with seven battlements, all constructed entirely of ashlar. Its Bourbon shield can also be seen above the gate. It currently serves as the main entrance to the town and is the best-preserved of all the gates that formed the walls of Cuenca. #SeptemberDestinations2025#Castilla-La Mancha

Exploring the Spanish Central Plateau ~ Cuenca (Region) Residents of Uclés can enter the monastery through this gate, which allows access to a secluded area within the monastery. Built in the 17th century, it connects the town to the monastery church. Next to the gate, there is a square where the stonemasons responsible for constructing this site had their workshop. We had a very fascinating guided tour. Highly recommended.

Exploring the Spanish Central Plateau ~ Cuenca (Region) The monastery is located within the Uclés fortress (12th century), which is built on a vast area of land spanning one square kilometer, surrounded by walls, fortifications, buttresses, and crenelated towers. The new structure, constructed in the 16th century, features Renaissance-style architecture, although the monastery's most famous southern façade is Baroque, designed by Pedro de Ribera. It has two large doors adorned with scallop shells on the Cross of St. James. The façade's decorations include coats of arms, helmets, pennants, and bust sculptures of apostles. Opposite the entrance is a courtyard with a double cloister. There is a reservoir with a Baroque stone well bearing the emblem of the Order of St. James. The refectory features a pine lattice ceiling with 36 vaults representing the knights of the order, presided over by Emperor Charles V. The sacristy has two perpendicular naves, with two windows decorated with sculptures. The church, built by Francisco de Mora, has a nave with a transept and several side chapels dating back to the 16th century, interconnected by small semicircular arches. The main altarpiece is particularly noteworthy, featuring a painting by Francisco Ricci, as well as the tombs of nobleman Don Rodrigo and his son Jorge Manrique, the author of "Verses on the Death of His Father." A grand and elegant main staircase leads from the courtyard to the second floor.

Spanish Central Plateau Adventure ~ Cuenca Uclés owes its historical significance to the La Mancha Chapter of the Knights of St. James, which chose the town as the capital of their territory. The town's main attraction is the monastery, built in the 16th century by Francisco de Mora, a follower of Herrera. Also known as "Escorial de La Mancha" or "Little Escorial," the monastery is arranged around a harmonious square courtyard. The two-story building dates back to the 16th century and houses a massive underground cistern at its center. A notable feature of the façade is the Churrigueresque main facade, surmounted by a sculpture of the Apostle St. James. The church has a single nave, built into the north wing, and contains originals by Francisco Ricci, as well as the remains of the Santiago maestro Rodrigo Manrique and his son Jorge Manrique. #September2025 #Castilla-La Mancha