An X formed by two runways, a bridge on the former road from Toledo to Seville, and living peat bogs: Saceruela offers a remarkable variety of historical and natural features. These include buildings from different periods, protected nature and the green dehesas of the surrounding area. When planning your trip, it helps to decide whether to focus on cultural heritage, nature and hiking, or a mix of all three.
Cultural traces from several periods
The Iglesia Parroquial Ntra. Sra. de las Cruces was first built in the 13th century. It is a single-nave masonry church reinforced by buttresses. “Single-nave” refers to a central church space; buttresses support the structure. Its architecture offers a tangible impression of the building techniques, while its date places the church within a long history.
The Puente Romano o de los Muertos reflects a different period. Its name alone should not be taken as an indication of when it was built: the stone bridge was constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries by the Real Concejo de la Mesta. It served for moving livestock and as a control point for the Order of Calatrava. Two arches cross the Carrizoso stream; the bridge is about 30 metres long and 2 metres wide. It stands on the former Roman road from Toledo to Seville. Its construction date, historical use and connection to the road are distinct aspects of the same bridge.
The Campo de Aviación is associated with the history of the Spanish Civil War: it was used by Republican aviation and belonged to the 1st Sector of the 5th Air Region. The Campo de Aviación site was probably built in early 1937; it was operational before the summer of that year. Two runways crossed to form an X. They were 1,430 and 1,200 metres long, respectively, and were aligned with the prevailing winds. Their orientation and different lengths give an impression of the airfield’s layout, without reducing its history to the visible X-shaped pattern.
Historic routes also shape the area’s connections. Saceruela is linked to the Camino de Guadalupe pilgrimage route and the Cañada Real Merina. The latter was an important long-distance livestock route on the Iberian Peninsula. The two names represent different ways of travelling: pilgrimage on the one hand, and moving livestock on the other. Festival and traditional features include multicoloured silk blankets, striking Manila shawls, outdoor altars, rosemary and thyme. Which features can be seen in any given year may vary.
Nature among peat bogs, a reservoir and dehesas
The Microrreserva del Bonal del Barranco de Riofrío is located within the municipality of Saceruela. It was designated a micro-reserve in 2003 and is part of the Natura 2000 network. The area is home to the largest population of Myrica gale in Ciudad Real province, as well as living peat bogs. A particular plant species and a distinctive habitat are therefore at the heart of this site. Check the applicable rules before visiting.
The Presa Las Raíces reservoir offers a different connection with nature: this area of ecological value is frequented by numerous birds and is a traditional local recreation area. The surrounding area of Saceruela is home to extensive green dehesas, associated with nature and rural character. The peat bog, reservoir and dehesas thus differ not only in their landscapes, but also in the descriptions of their significance that have been passed down.
Hiking and planning your visit
The natural area of Paraje Natural El Ojuelo is suitable for hiking and can be visited at any time. Check local guidance before you travel. El Ojuelo is also the site of the Romería de la Virgen de las Cruces de Saceruela pilgrimage festival. This creates a concrete link between the natural area and the festival, without implying a fixed visitor route. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Saceruela, you can take these different themes into account when planning and decide how much time to devote to buildings, landscapes or a hike.
Discover more destinations: Alcoba, Viso Del Marqués, Navas De Estena, Villanueva de San Carlos, Cañada De Calatrava, Albaladejo, Malagón, Venta De Cárdenas.
For the broader travel overview: Ciudad Real.
