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 6th 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-12th 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.
Iberian oppidum and medieval city where the battle of Alarcos took place.
1st of October to 31st of May:
Thursday (2 guided tours 10:00 -12:00 and 12:00 – 14:00). Opened from 10:00 to 14:00.
Friday, Saturday & holidays (3 guided tours 10:00 – 12:00, 12:00 – 14:00 and 15:00 – 17:00). Opened from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 15:00 to 17:00
Sunday (2 guided tours 10:00 – 12:00 and 12:00 – 14:00). Opened from 10:00 to 14:00.
1st of June to 30th of September ( The archaeological site from 9:00 to 14:00 h).
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays ( 2 guided tours): from 9:00 to 11:00 and from 11:00 to 13:00 h.
Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays that are not holidays.
The reservation must be done with a previous appointment on the web page:
https://cultura.castillalamancha.es/patrimonio/parques-arqueologicos/alarcos
*The guided tours must be looked and a virtual reality experience is included
*Telephone number: 925 28 95 46.
* Virtual reality: Included with the guided tour.
* The archaeological site might also be visited without a guide, booking is not required.
Prices might be checked online.
Ermita Alarcos – Hermitage of the Virgin of Alarcos.
Free Entry.
15th of September to 14th of April.
From Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00 h and from 15:00 to 18:00 h. Mondays and Sundays: closed.
15th of April to 14th of September.
From Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00 h and from 18:00 to 20:30 h. Mondays and Sundays: closed.
Consult timetable on the phone: 678 455 416.
How to get there:
*8 km far from Ciudad Real by the N-430, headed to Piedrabuena.
*By A-41 taking the exit to Poblete, passing by the town center. It is about 4 km away from the junction where it is indications.