Architecture and Museums

The church of the Santuario de Ntra. Sra. de los Remedios has a single nave, is designed in the Renaissance style and was completed in 1764. The Claustro de Fuensanta forms a square with sides measuring 33 metres. Each side has eight semicircular arches on the lower level and eight bays with a straight entablature on the upper level. This makes it easy to compare the layout of the two levels directly.

The Camarín de La Virgen contains 18th-century Talavera ceramic tiles. Painted medallions depict the Annunciation and the apparition of the Virgen de La Fuensanta. The Capilla de la Fuente was restored by Trinitarian monks and inaugurated in 1797 with a small Baroque altarpiece. The Arco Árabe offers a different historical reference: this monument of cultural interest dates from the 12th century, is located on Calle Huertas and was restored in 2004.

The museums also differ in their subject matter. The Museo Municipal Etnológico Agrícola is located in a former monastery pilgrim hospice and features a traditional house from the early 20th century, with agricultural and household implements. The Museo Etnológico Parroquial is on the upper floor of the monastery cloisters. It displays historic household items as well as agricultural and livestock-farming implements formerly used by Fuensanta residents. Check the museums’ current visiting arrangements before your visit. The Teatro Cervantes is on the lower floor of the monastery cloisters and is currently used for cultural, religious and popular traditional events.

Pilgrimage Traditions and Festivals

During the Romería de La Virgen, the Arco del Término is the handover point for the image of the Virgin between the residents of Fuensanta and La Roda during the outbound and return processions. The Cruz del Humilladero was the site of the first prayer for pilgrims arriving at the Santuario. The return procession of the Romería Virgen de los Remedios to the Santuario de Fuensanta takes place three weeks after the outbound procession. This interval describes the order of the processions; specific dates may vary.

The Fiestas de San Gregorio include a procession to the Cruz de San Gregorio on the Sunday after Mass, the blessing of the fields, music by a charanga band and eating the traditional Rollo de San Gregorio pastry. The exact programme may vary. The Semana Cultural has been held in summer since 1991 to make visitors’ stays in Fuensanta more entertaining; its specific dates may also vary.

The Ermita de San Antón was built in 1913. Associated with it is the traditional Almoneda formerly held there, an auction of animals, traditional foods and household goods. There is also a Starlight viewing point at the Cruz de San Gregorio. On clear, dark nights, constellations, planets and the Milky Way can be seen clearly from there.

Landscape and Practical Information

The La Roda–Montalvos route passes through the municipality of Fuensanta. Among its points of interest is the Puente de San Alejandro, also known as “Quitapellejos”. If you plan to take this route, check the current signage. The Río Júcar is about two kilometres from Fuensanta.

The Piscina Municipal Fuensanta is on the outskirts of town, in natural surroundings, about five minutes from the town centre. It has two pools, including a children’s pool. As facilities and seasonal opening arrangements may change, check the current conditions before your visit.

In the La Manchega landscape area, a hydroelectric power plant that is still in use has stood since 1955 on the ruins of a paper mill dating from the mid-19th century. The chimney from the former factory remains. Together with Fuensanta’s buildings and collections, this site offers a distinct connection to industrial history.

Discover more destinations: Los Alejos, Villatoya, Los Pocicos, El Cañar, Zapateros, Férez, Cenizate, Carcelén

For the full travel overview: Albacete.