Art and pilgrimage

One of the most moving spiritual routes in the Campo de Montiel region. Ideal for all ages, it runs through the heart of the area, linking five Marian shrines in a territory steeped in history, marked by the presence of the Military Orders and the popular devotion of La Mancha.

Stop 1. Sanctuary of the Virgin of Antigua – Villanueva de los Infantes
The starting point of the pilgrimage. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Antigua, patron saint of Villanueva de los Infantes, stands 5 km from the town on the banks of the Jabalón River. Its origins date back to the 12th century. The exterior is constructed of stone masonry with a lintel doorway and the coat of arms of the Order of Santiago. Inside, the single-nave church features a notable altarpiece from the early 18th century. The spacious courtyard with its outbuildings and the proximity of the Jamila archaeological site make this a worthwhile visit.

Stop 2. Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Forsaken – Villanueva de la Fuente
Located next to the old Royal Road of Andalusia, on the edge of a plateau overlooking the Villanueva River valley and the foothills of the Sierra Morena mountains, the sanctuary dates back to approximately the 17th century. It preserves fascinating mural paintings and a distinctive arcaded atrium. Our Lady of the Forsaken is the patron saint of Villanueva de la Fuente and spends most of the year in the sanctuary.

Stop 3. Sanctuary of the Virgin of Luciana – Terrinches
Located on the old Royal Road, less than 1 km west of Terrinches, the 15th-16th century hermitage features a single-nave interior with a ribbed vault crafted by the master builder Ruy González del Corral. It boasts an interesting gallery supported by a segmental arch and an 18th-century dressing room. Opposite the hermitage stands a bullring, one of the few examples of its kind in the region.

Stop 4. Hermitage of the Virgin of the Head – Torrenueva
The most emblematic hermitage in Torrenueva, located just north of the town center, is preceded by beautiful gardens. Devotion to this particular saint dates back to the 16th century. The interior features polychrome domes and 18th-century folk paintings. Excellent views of Torrenueva and the Jabalón River can be enjoyed from the hermitage's esplanade.

Stop 5. Sanctuary of the Virgin of Carrasca – Villahermosa
The pilgrimage culminates in a grand finale. The Sanctuary of the Virgin of La Carrasca, known as 'La Morenilla', stands 14 km north of Villahermosa. The complex, which acquired its current form in 1889, comprises a Baroque chapel with a spectacular gilded altarpiece from 1720, a 17th-century dressing room with paintings of an angelic choir, and an attached bullring. It is one of the most important devotional centers in the province of Ciudad Real.