Puebla del Príncipe: Tower, Churches and Landscape

Visitors to Puebla del Príncipe can get to know the town through its buildings and the landscape of Campo de Montiel. The Torreón-Fortaleza defines the townscape; churches, the Ermita Virgen de Mairena, a viewpoint and the former Fuente El Pilar add different historical and landscape features to the picture. To plan your visit, consider three questions: Which architectural forms would you like to see, where would you like to take in the landscape, and are you also interested in the local tradition in June?

The Torreón and the town’s architecture

The Torreón-Fortaleza is a defensive tower dating from the 12th century and defines the townscape of Puebla del Príncipe. Its dominant position makes it a distinctive landmark in the town. The tower is open year-round, free of charge, during the town library’s opening hours. As access is limited to these times, it is advisable to confirm the opening hours locally before your visit.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción has a rectangular floor plan and a single nave covered by a barrel vault. Its architecture can therefore be understood through three clearly defined features: its basic shape, its single-nave interior and its vault. Those interested in architectural forms will find a different perspective here than at the defensive tower.

The Ermita Virgen de Mairena is located south of Puebla del Príncipe. It has a single nave and a gabled roof, as well as a cubic apse, a semicircular entrance arch and a circular window. These details provide specific points of reference when looking at the exterior: the roof shape, apse and openings can be distinguished from one another. While the Iglesia draws attention to its floor plan and barrel vault, the Ermita offers its roof and individual architectural features as points of interest.

Views of Campo de Montiel

From the Torreón’s terrace, the view extends across the landscape of Campo de Montiel. The Mirador Plaza Costaneta also offers views across Campo de Montiel, from a park near the church and tower. Rural paths around Puebla del Príncipe lead to natural viewpoints from which you can take in the horizon. The nearby fields form a landscape of gentle hills covered with grain and olive trees.

The viewpoints differ in their setting: at the Torreón, you look out from the terrace; at the Mirador, from a park; and along the rural paths, as you walk through the surrounding area. When planning your visit, you can decide whether you prefer a view from a named location or the impression of the landscape along a path.

The Romería and visiting the Ermita

The Romería in honour of the Virgen de Mairena takes place every year on the first Sunday in June. Its recurring date provides a clear point of reference in the annual calendar if you are interested in the local tradition.

Even when the building is closed, visitors can experience the Ermita Virgen de Mairena from the outside: beside the door is a button that illuminates the window altarpiece featuring the figure of the Virgin Mary. The figure can be seen through the discreet window in the door. Admission to the Ermita is free. Ask at the church or town hall about opening hours.

The former use of Fuente El Pilar

Fuente El Pilar adds a history of everyday work to the town’s buildings. It was once used as a spring and cistern to irrigate nearby vegetable gardens; it was also used as a wash place for clothes. Its former uses brought water storage, gardening and washing together in one place. Along with the defensive tower and religious buildings, the spring represents another side of the town’s history: the practical use of water.

Discover more destinations: Ballesteros De Calatrava, El Robledo, Campo De Criptana, Los Cortijos, Fuente El Fresno, Cañada De Calatrava, Almadén, Arenales De San Gregorio.

For the main travel overview: Ciudad Real.