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The many white windmills scattered in the plains of La Mancha pose like photogenic beacons against a backdrop of natural colors. That sight, while beautiful and inspiring too, explains only a fraction of the area's appeal to tourists. The collection of centuries-old mills is much more than an interesting dive into history. La Mancha is first and foremost a place of pilgrimage. Not in the religious sense of the word, but as the location where, according to many, the most important novella in the history of literature can be situated.
We are talking about the book 'Don Quixote', which Miguel de Cervantes wrote in the 17th century. It is the story of the knight errant Don Quixote, who constantly fails to recognize the dividing line between reality and fantasy. The most appealing example of this are the passages in the book where the main character sees the windmills in La Mancha as giants that must be fought.
There are several locations in the province that shed light on both Don Quixote and its creator. A popular place to visit is Consuegra where from a ridge you can see how twelve windmills (or if you prefer: giants) dominate the flat landscape. As an extra attraction, the 13th century renovated castle, which flanks the mills, can be visited. Four of the mills are still in use. One of these, the Sancho, still uses the original 16th century machinery. The Bolero mill is the only one open to the public. This mill also serves as a tourist office.
A 'pilgrimage' through the land of Quixote can be very extensive. For example, you can also visit the windmills in the Campo de Criptana where guided tours are held all year round and Mota del Cuervo. Or visit the house where Cervantes lived in the village of Esquivias. This is now in use as a museum.
Another museum and also a library with the work of Cervantes can be visited in Ciudad Real.
The importance of Cervantes and his brainchild Don Quixote to literary history is difficult to overestimate. In any case, it is telling that the Spanish language is often described as 'the language of Cervantes'. That qualification can safely be interpreted as the ultimate honor.
