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.
Free admission until June 30, 2023.
Archaeological Site Opening Times:
From October 1 to March 31:
Thursday: 10:00 to 13:30 h.
Friday, Saturday & holidays: 10:30 to 17:30 h.
Sunday: 10:00 to 13:00 h.
From April 1 to September 30:
Thursday: 10:00 to 13:30 h.
Friday, Saturday and holidays: 10:30 to 13:30 h & 17:00 to 20:00 h.
Sunday: 10:00 to 13:00 h.
CLOSED: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday (working day).
GUIDED VISITS:
From October 1 to March 31
Thursday (2 passes): 10:30 & 12:00 h.
Friday, Saturday and holidays (4 passes): 10:30, 12:00, 14:30 & 16:00 h.
Sunday (2 passes): 10:30 & 12:00 h.
From April 1 to September 30
Thursday (2 passes): 10:30 & 12:00 h.
Friday, Saturday and holidays (4 passes): 10:30, 12:00, 17:00 & 18:30 h.
Sunday (2 passes): 10:30 & 12:00 h.
The duration of guided visit is approximately 1h&20 minutes, with the maximum capacity per pass is 24 people. Prior reservation is necessary.
Alarcos Chapel Opening Times: 10:00 to 18:00 h.
E-mail: red.arqueologica.clm@tragsa.es (service hours: Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 14:00 h).
For further information, please visit: https://cultura.castillalamancha.es/patrimonio/parques-arqueologicos/alarcos