Paris1972-Versailles2003

And here we are in Belmonte again, the wonderful town of the province of Cuenca and the autonomous region of Castilla La Mancha in my beloved Spain! It has become a town visited several times.

However, when there concentrated on the castle (see posts) and not on the rest, which is plenty. I will need to be back. On this post, let me tell you a bit more on the Puertas or Gates from the ramparts walls to the town of Belmonte. Hope you enjoy it as we did.

The Muralla Urbana of Belmonte or Urban Wall was built in the 15C, and it has preserves in perfect condition the canvases that come down from the castle to the town. The enclosure had five gates that opened along the walled enclosure, three of which are still used as access to the city. These gates are the San Juan to the north, the Chinchilla Gate to the south, the Almudí or Rollo Gate, the Estrella or Toledo or Monreal Gate and the New Gate (Puerta Nueva gone) to the west.

Two sections are preserved in a perfect state of conservation, which go down from the castle to the town. One of the sections that remains intact, and with a beautiful Albarrana tower is the one that goes from the Chinchilla gate to the castle. From the Puerta de San Juan the jamb and tower on the right are preserved. The jamb on the left to the first cube was demolished in 1912 to build the current gate.

The Puerta de Chinchilla is the first one that was made, and the one that has best reached our days. From here to the Castle the wall canvas is still conserved entirely, with a beautiful Albarrana tower. The gate located to the south in the walled compound of Belmonte.

On August 12, 1488, the Catholic Monarchs (Fernando II and Isabel I), in transit from Alicante to Alcalá de Henares, arrived in Belmonte, being welcomed by the Marquis of Villena at the Castle. Before entering the town through this Puerta de Chinchilla, since they came from San Clemente, the town went out to receive them and made them swear to their Highnesses with their real hands placed bodily on the Holy Crucifix, to keep and save all the letters of ridges, privileges, uses and good customs that it has and has been granted to it by the Lords who had been there.

It was wonderful to walk around these gates and even awesome to drive my car thru them. Many times praying not to scratch as was just enough. Surrounded by such beauty and history not to leave architecture behind it is just sublime. I will be back.

The tourist office of Castilla La Mancha on things to see including the gates of Belmonte: Tourist office of Castilla La Mancha on heritage

And remember, happy travels ,good health, and many cheers to all!!!

Here I am again on the nostalgic route, remembering in our times the wonderful moments spent in my beloved Spain. I have of course, several , many posts on Spain in my blog and many on the region of Castilla La Mancha, and a few on the town of Belmonte. However, was dealing with the immense castle and there is a particular nice monument there off the beaten path, I like to tell you a bit more.

You know, windmills are really popular in Spain, especially along the route of Quijote, but very few are aware there are windmills in Belmonte! Let me tell you a bit more ok.

Many will think that it is a structure created in Spain, since it is one of the icons, but if they have been here since the 16C, it is the fault of the Crusaders. They were discovered in Jerusalem and this is how they came to populate much of the peninsula. In Belmonte you can still enjoy the typical La Mancha windmills, since those of this town are still standing and in good condition. The three mills of Belmonte are somewhat different, they are not entirely white but made of stone and that gives them a touch that is worth stopping and admiring.

About 500 meters from the center of Belmonte; the most famous of all is the windmill “El Puntal”, which preserves all its original machinery and which can be seen at some time doing a traditional milling. Inside you can visit an exhibition of tiles. In addition to views of pure postcard and simply magical Castilian sunsets. Indeed!

Tourist section of the city of Belmonte something on these windmills: City of Belmonte on things to see

Hope you enjoy it and do stop by after seeing the wonderful castle of Belmonte (see my posts), a worthwhile trip in beautiful dreamers’ country! The windmills of Belmonte!!!

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!