Discover Membrilla

Membrilla combines church architecture and industrial history with regional traditions and landscapes. Its defining features include the parish church of Santiago el Mayor, the historic Molino del Rezuelo, Los Desposorios and the town’s dishes. Nature destinations and a section of the Ruta del Quijote are also among the options you can consider when planning your stay.

Churches and Architectural History

The present-day church of Santiago el Mayor was built in the 15th century, replacing a church from the first quarter of the 13th century. Its architecture combines the late Flamboyant Gothic style with some Isabelline features. The parish church is in an exceptionally well-preserved, or well-maintained, condition. It offers a way to understand the long development of Membrilla’s architectural history as well as the distinctive style of its present-day place of worship.

The convent and church of the Concepcionistas Franciscanas occupy a large plot on Calle de las Monjas. The convent building has a square floor plan and three storeys; both brickwork and rubble-stone masonry are visible. An early milestone in the history of the women’s convent came in 1609, when Francisco Camacho Martín proposed founding one. The nuns’ move was approved in 1610.

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Espino also tells the story of an architectural transformation. It was built on a motilla and was incorporated into Castillo de El Tocón for centuries. Over time, and through repeated improvement and repair work, its former defensive area lost its traces of fortification; the fortified space became a shrine. You can enjoy the view from the Torre del Reloj.

The Molino del Rezuelo and its history

The Molino del Rezuelo can currently be visited and was restored by the Escuela Taller de Membrilla. It was one of eleven watermills lining the watercourse through Membrilla, and it is the only one of the former mills still standing. It remained in operation until the end of the 1970s. A visit to the mill therefore connects the opportunity to see it today with the history of a facility that was once part of a larger series of watermills. As no visiting hours are given, it is advisable to check them in advance.

Landscape, Routes and Nature

The Ruta del Quijote crosses the municipal area of Membrilla for 14 kilometres. The route passes through rural landscapes and vineyard paths, and by traditional architecture. If you plan to follow this section, check local information on the current route. The 14 kilometres describe the stretch within the municipal area; they do not indicate walking time.

Remains of Roman thermal baths are preserved in the Paraje Natural de El Peral nature area. A wooded area is suitable for resting and walking. Another kind of nature destination is the Albardinales de Membrilla-La Solana micro-reserve, which lies between the municipal areas of Membrilla and La Solana and can be visited free of charge. The two places offer different points of interest: El Peral combines nature with archaeological remains, while the micro-reserve is a freely accessible protected area between two municipalities.

Traditions, Literature and Cuisine

Los Desposorios is officially recognised as a festival of provincial tourist interest. The tradition dates back to the 13th century and symbolically commemorates the betrothal of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. The serrana, a drink made from red wine, sugar and peach, is also sampled as part of this tradition. Another culinary tradition links gachas blancas to Jueves de Comadre, the Thursday before Carnival Sunday.

Membrilla’s traditional dishes also include white beans with partridge, machacón, and chicken or hen in pepitoria. If you are interested in regional cuisine, these dishes offer another insight into the town’s culinary traditions. Lope de Vega provides a literary connection: he made Membrilla the setting for his comedy “El Galán de la Membrilla.”

Getting There by Train

The nearest railway station is in nearby Manzanares, five kilometres from Membrilla. If you plan to travel by train, check current train services before setting off. This lets you consider your travel arrangements separately from the local cultural and nature destinations.

Discover more destinations: Villanueva de la Fuente, Valdepeñas, Fuente El Fresno, Torrenueva, Puebla De Don Rodrigo, Puebla del Príncipe, Fuencaliente, Porzuna.

For the main travel overview: Ciudad Real.