Discover Calzada De Calatrava

Calzada de Calatrava brings together a volcanic landscape, striking buildings and film culture. These highlights can help you plan your stay: would you like to explore historic architecture, learn about the landscape, or discover places connected with Pedro Almodóvar? The sights offer different starting points, without requiring you to group everything under a single theme.

Volcanic Landscapes and Protected Nature

The town lies between Campo de Calatrava and the first foothills of the Sierra Morena. The landscape is volcanic in origin; La Calzada de Calatrava is also part of the UNESCO-recognised Volcanes de Calatrava Geopark. One prominent volcano is La Atalaya: it reaches a height of 1,118 metres and has a basalt cap. These details give the landscape a specific geological character, distinct from the historic buildings in the town.

Natural highlights include the Túneles del Ojailén. The nature reserve is located within the municipality of La Calzada de Calatrava. It comprises five abandoned railway tunnels that run parallel to the Ojailén River and are part of the Natura 2000 network. During the winter, they provide shelter for several endangered bat species.

Wildlife protection determines the conditions for visiting: entering the tunnels is not permitted, especially during the winter hibernation period. Visiting in daylight is recommended. If you include the Túneles in your plans, take these requirements into account and limit your visit to what is permitted.

Two Castles, Different Visiting Conditions

Castillo de Salvatierra is a fortress of Islamic origin in the municipality of La Calzada de Calatrava, in the south of Ciudad Real province. Its archaeological remains can be visited outdoors. Access is via the CR-504 and either the Camino de la Bodega or the Camino del Castillo; the fortress is about seven kilometres from La Calzada de Calatrava. As road and terrain access may change, it is a good idea to check the route before visiting.

Castillo de los Cristianos is a small fortification in the Sierra de la Atalaya, believed to have been built at the beginning of the 13th century. It can only be viewed from the outside. The two castles therefore differ not only in their historical context but also in how they can be visited: the remains at Salvatierra can be explored outdoors, while Castillo de los Cristianos can only be viewed from the outside.

Sacred Architecture, Painting and Film Culture

The Iglesia Parroquial Nuestra Señora de la Asunción dates from the early 17th century and was extended in 1926. The presbytery contains seven paintings from an altarpiece dating to the second half of the 16th century; they are by Juan Correa de Vivar. The building’s history and its paintings thus reflect different periods within the same church.

The Ermita del Salvador del Mundo also has a layered architectural history. The building dates from the 16th century and was rebuilt from 1760 onwards, retaining the same floor plan: a Latin cross. This describes the chapel’s layout and adds another perspective on the development of its architecture over time.

The silo features “Legends from La Mancha,” a geometric-surrealist mural by artist Okuda San Miguel. The Espacio Almodóvar at the Centro Cultural Rafael Serrano offers a different way to explore film: it houses a film museum displaying material about Pedro Almodóvar, his artistic world and his films. La Calzada de Calatrava is also part of the Ruta Cinematográfica de Pedro Almodóvar.

A Public Event During Semana Santa

The public can watch and take part in the Juego de las Caras. This game of chance is played during Semana Santa. If you would like to join in, the applicable rules apply; for planning your trip, the key point is that it takes place during Holy Week.

Discover more destinations: Herencia, Fontanarejo, Cózar, La Solana, Solana Del Pino, Campo De Criptana, Puebla del Príncipe, La Alameda De Cervera.

For the broader travel overview: Ciudad Real.