Uclés, municipality of Spain
Uclés is a small municipality in Cuenca Province situated on a hilltop, dominated by the Santiago de Uclés Monastery built in the 1500s, which stands as the area's main landmark. The complex features stone courtyards, a single-nave church, underground reservoirs, and surrounding streets of narrow passageways lined with buildings made from local materials.
The town served as a strategic defensive position in medieval times and became the main chapter seat of the Santiago Order in La Mancha. The monastery, designed by Francisco de Mora following the style of renowned architect Herrera and completed in the 1500s, later functioned as a military stronghold and prison.
The town carries the heritage of the Santiago Order, which shaped daily life for centuries through religious and military traditions. Walking through the stone streets, you notice how history remains woven into the buildings and the steady rhythm of local customs that residents maintain.
The town is easily accessible by car or regional bus and features quiet streets without crowds, allowing for unhurried exploration at your own pace. Small cafes in the area serve local bread and regional cheeses, offering good spots to rest and observe daily life unfolding around you.
The monastery is sometimes called the Little Escorial because its architecture echoes the famous royal monastery, though it remains far less known to visitors. Underground reservoirs hidden beneath the courtyard showcase the monks' practical engineering, storing water during dry periods.
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