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Castilla-la Mancha Castilla La-Mancha Castilla la-Mancha is region of Spain located near the center of the country. The average temperature for Castilla la-Mancha is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of the most famous cuisine is quails, lamb, Manchego cheese, which is a very mature cheese made from lamb’s milk, and marzipan, which is produced in Castilla la-Mancha is large quantities and exported all over the world. Castilla la-Mancha has four providences, Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Guadalajara, and Toledo. Toledo is the capital.

The capital Toledo is a fortified city built on a hill overlooking the Tagus River. Toledo is so full of historical monuments and sites that this whole providence is considered a national monument by Spain. Some of Toledo’s historical sites include the military museum, which is located in a fort on Toledo’s highest point. The museum has many paths lined with stores selling the city’s famous swords and other merchandise. During the Roman Era many aqueducts and amphitheaters were built, some were conserved and can still be seen today. In the 6th century, Goths conquered Toledo and made it the capital of their empire. It lasted as the capital until 1560. A reminder of this Gothic Era is the Fortress of San Servando. There was religious freedom during the Moorish Era so many different religions built places of worship here. One of the remaining mosques from the Moorish Era is the Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz. It was built in the 10th century. It has four Gothic columns supporting nine domes above them. There are also many Christian churches such as San Sebastián and Santa Eulalid. There is also a town gate called Vieja Puerta de la Bisagra, built during the 12th or 13th century. In 1085 Alfons VI conquered Toledo and also made it the capital of his empire. During the late 15th century the Escuela de Traductores de Toledo or the School of Translators of Toledo was built. Two synagogues, Sinagoga de Sanata Maria la Blanca and Sinagoga de El Tránsito, still remain from this time. Several churches as well as synagogues still remain. Some of the churches that still remain are Santiago del Arrabal, Cristo de la Vega, San Vicente, San Miguel, San Román and Santo Tomé. There is also a cathedral built between 1226 and 1492. The cathedral houses a collection of paintings including some from El Greco, Goya, and Van Dyck. The church Iglesia de San Juan de los Reyes and its monastery were built in the 15th century for Spanish royalty to be buried there. After the 15th century Madrid replaced Toledo as the capital. In the late 16th century the Hospital of Santa Cruz was founded. Today it serves as the Museum of Arts and Archaeology. The churches of Santo Domingo el Antiguo and San José and the town gate Puerta Nueva de la Bisagra were also built during this time. The famous painter El Greco was born during this time. His art and his house Casa y Museo del Greco can been seen in Toledo. Many festivals are also held in Toledo. Romería de la Virgen del Valle is a festival of pilgrimage celebrated in May. Also in May is the Festival of San Isidro. It takes place May 15th to the 18th. It is celebrated with processions and dancing. Another festival is the Fiesta del Olivo or the Festival of Olives. It takes place the last Sunday in April in the village of Mora de Toledo. Probably the most famous festival is the procession of Corpus Christi. During the procession the 16th century monstrance is taken out of the cathedral and paraded through the streets. Cuenca, another one of Castilla la-Mancha’s providences is located between two river gorges. It is famous for its hanging houses. The hanging houses are 15th century houses that appear to be suspended over the edges of cliffs. One of the houses is also the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art. Cuenca also has a gothic cathedral and Ciudad Encantada. Ciudad Encantada is a park where erosion has created sculptures out of rock. The Festival of Diguised Devils also takes place here. During the festival young boy run and dance through the streets. There is also a procession led by cow bells. The festival takes place in February. Ciudad Real is another providence of Castilla la-Mancha. Ciudad Real is home to Lagunas de Ruidera. Lagunas de Ruidera is a natural park consisting of 17 lagoons connected by waterfalls and small streams. Ciudad Real is also the home of Don Quijote. Don Quijote was said to have fought against the windmills at the nearby Campo de Criptana. Guadalajara is one of Castilla la-Mancha’s more famous providences. Despite having a famous name there isn’t much to do. It is home to the church Santa Maria la Mayor and the 15th century palace Duque del Infantado. Guadalajara is surrounded by Moorish town walls and has a Moorish bridge going over the Henares River. The last province is Albacete. Albacete is known for its knife making. There is also the festival Fiestas Patronales de La Virgen de Gracia. It is in honor of the Virgin de Gracia and takes place in September. During this festival there are fireworks, a procession, music, and a flower offering to the virgin.

 