If Madrid was a slam in the face full of people then Alcazar was the total opposite!
Arrived at Alcazar De San Juan train station and immediately felt relaxed! Leaving Madrid city behind was mind cleansing and I actually enjoyed the peace and quiet and away from all the noise, smells, people and pet dogs!
ALL shops except the supermarket was closed when I arrived – There was like, 3 and a half people wandering around! Granted it was 3pm right in the middle of siesta time but I was used to Madrid and Toledo, people everywhere at all times and this was the total opposite – there were not even 10 cars that drove by the whole 1.5hrs I was walking around and I was rethinking why I chose to come here
It felt safe wandering the streets in any case – actually, all cities ive been to have felt very safe and Ive had no issues walking alone after midnight at night time
MY ACCOMMODATION REVIEW & INFO:
Thats it! I decided to just relax and chill at a restaurant… first had to find one that was open…
I love how in Spain, when you order any drink they give you a small snack to nibble on, olives, chips or nuts
It became solively and the restaurants and bars started filling up and the town changed totally!
The BIG PRIOR’S TOWER – Knights Hospitaller museum – This 24m high tower really stood out being one of the taller buildings in the city and I made my way towards it
It is a free-standing tower that served as a keep or residence of the Grand Prior and over time has become one of the most representative icons of the town
I paid the 4 euro to take a tour inside, I was the only one there! Its 4 floors and they have turned it into an interactive museum (which I didnt understand as it was all in Spanish but it was about the Knights Hospitaller who once lived here and dominated the area)
My main reason to get inside was to climb to the top and check out the awesome view!
Must have belonged to a much larger complex that has been destroyed as there are a few ruined sites around this area dating way back
Could hear the birds twittering around here, was so quiet and serene – was hard to hear a human in this town! Lol
The buildings were a lot more “newer” than the other towns ive seen, more residential and no high rises mostly just 1 or 2 storey homes and many residents are located in the city centre
PARISH OF SANTA MARÍA LA MAYOR – This is the oldest parish in Alcazar dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Virgen del Rosario Coronada
You can tell straight away it has a mix of different styles, with Romanesque, Gothic, Mudejar and Renaissance elements to it – has a unique look to it compared to other churches and doesnt stand out with a huge spire or tower, its very understated but still has a beautiful rosy, redy pinky colour to it
It is built in stone with a double projecting cornice and the shield dedicated to the Virgin crowns the door that is finished with a curved pediment
This convent has had an important cultural life in this area
Streets all to myself!
I only had a day here but I really did enjoy the peace and serenity and not having a huge city to cover on foot
If you have limited time in Spain, I wouldnt recommend to stop here as there are other places to see instead – honest opinion! 🙂
The Wandering Passport 