Less than an hour south of Madrid on the AVE high speed train lies the city of Ciudad Real, founded by King Alfonso X in the thirteenth century. It's name, which has been changed several times throughout the ages, means Royal City, can be traced back to the year 1420, when King Juan II of Castille awarded the town official status as a city. The city was originally a walled city, just like its more famous neighbor to the North, Toledo, and two sections of the original wall still stand, with the Puerta de Toledo is especially noteworthy. The town also invites the visitor to explore another side of Spanish history with its tribute to the Spanish literary master Miguel de Cervantes. A visit to the Quixote Museum is well worth a visit for any literary enthusiast, and just for fun check out the Clock in the Main Square, with figures from Don Quixote that accompany the chiming of the bells. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a great time to visit, and offers a great alternative to the often-uncomfortable-packed festivals in Sevilla and Malaga. And lest we forget the wine, Ciudad Real is in the heart of Valdepeñas wine country, so take the opportunity to hit a couple of local wineries!
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