Alarcos Archaeological Site – Alarcos Chapel

Approximately 8 kms from Ciudad Real along the Guadiana River is Alarcos Archaeological Site. It is home to archaeological remains dating back to Bronze Age culture, but of particular interest are its Iberian and medieval remains (a castle and Gothic chapel).

At the end of the 6^th century B.C., Oretani Iberian culture was fully consolidated in Alarcos, turning this space into an oppidum or fortified city of great importance. It is still preserved today and its ruins can be visited.

Later, in the mid-12^th century, Alfonso VIII started the construction of a new planned city at the site, with a wall, castle and moat. The construction works came to a halt when the settlement fell into the hands of the Almohads following the Battle of Alarcos in 1195. The area’s decline started with its reconquest in 1212, as all repopulation attempts failed, leading Alfonso X the Wise to decide to transfer its settlement to the place known as El Pozuelo Seco de Don Gil, where he founded Villa Real, the modern-day Ciudad Real, in 1255.

Free admission until June 30, 2023.