Setting

Cortijo Sierra la Solana 1878 enjoys a privileged location and is the perfect base from which to explore the countless delights of La Mancha, such as the Windmills immortalised by Cervantes, or the many monuments and examples of traditional built heritage to be seen in the nearby towns and villages, as well as the spectacular landscapes of the nature parks, and the vast expanses of vineyards, olive and almond groves or the mountains which conceal centuries of history.

Herencia, the municipality in which the Estate is located, is renowned for the splendour of its old quarter which boasts the 17th century Church of La Inmaculada Concepción, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Merced and several rural shrines such as San José, La Encarnación, San Cristóbal, El Cristo de la Misericordia and La Labradora. The rolling landscape is set against the backdrop of the mountains ranges of Los Molinos, La Horca, Herencia and La Sevillana, which hiking lovers should definitely take the time to explore. Herencia’s carnival celebrations have been declared to be of Provincial Tourist Interest, and are noted for the famous characters known as “perlé” and “ginetas”.

Just a short distance from the Estate, Alcázar de San Juan stands out for its old quarter, which is packed with references to Cervantes, as well as numerous churches, palaces and monuments; Campo de Criptana boasts the windmills, which have been declared Monuments of Historical and Artistic Interest, whilst Albaicín Criptano is noted for its tiny narrow streets; Daimiel is the site of the Tablas de Daimiel National Park, Western Europe?s largest wetlands; Puerto Lápice, with its exceptional examples of traditional architecture, including the houses and inns such as La Posada de Dorotea Jiménez or Venta de Don Quijote, built in the 18th century; Villarta de San Juan, whose principal landmarks include the ancient Fortress of the Order of Saint John, the Roman bridge. Tourists visiting the town between 23 and 26 January will have the chance to experience at first hand the Las Paces Festival, declared to be of Regional Tourist Interest and where the locals, dressed in work clothes, form groups and parade around the streets at the head of the procession, setting off thousands of rockets and firecrackers.