Almagro It is a historical and cultural gem. This small but fascinating municipality of Ciudad Real stands out for its rich history, its well-preserved architectural heritage, its crucial role in the development of theater in Spain and its gastronomy, always linked to hunting and the history of this La Mancha treasure.
It is known as the capital of the Spanish Golden Age thanks to the Corral de Comedias, built in 1628 by Leonardo de Oviedo, in the heart of its Plaza Mayor. It is the only theater in the world that fully maintains its original form and structure, faithfully representing the typical scenic spaces of the 16th and 17th centuries. This theater was declared a National Monument in 1955. The Comedy Corral It is, without a doubt, the best-known emblem of the town and a true rarity worldwide. It is still active and is the main headquarters of the Almagro International Classical Theater Festival, Held every summer since 1978.
Lovers of the performing arts have in the National Theater Museum a must see. Located in the old Palace of the Masters, This museum houses an impressive collection of costumes, sets and historical documents that narrate the evolution of theater in Spain from its origins to the present day. He International Puppet Festival It is another outstanding cultural event, which shows the diversity of this art in a family and creative environment.
Lovers of the performing arts have a must-see at the National Theater Museum
The Almagro Main Square It is an outstanding example of La Mancha architecture. With its characteristic green arcades and glass galleries, this space is one of the most picturesque squares in Spain. Like so many other major squares, it was designed to house the market. Its design reflects the influence of Flemish merchants who settled in the region during the Renaissance. Today it is the epicenter of Almagro’s social and cultural life, surrounded by restaurants, shops and historic buildings. However, it is worth getting lost in its streets, admire the palatial houses and browse through its La Mancha patios, adorned with geraniums and tiles, which reflect the tradition and charm of the town.
The Order of Calatrava
The history of Almagro is deeply linked to the Order of Calatrava, one of the most influential military orders of the Middle Ages in Spain. In the 13th century Almagro became the headquarters of the order, which promoted its economic and cultural development. The Church of San Bartolomé and the convent of the Assumption of Calatrava They are witnesses of this era of splendor, making the visit an authentic trip to the past for those seeking history, culture and tradition.
Large and small game
After the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, it was necessary to reinforce the reconquered territories. This order had vast domains in the region, which included highly valued hunting grounds. Hunting large and small game was a significant activity for the Calatravian knights, both as training for war and for enjoyment and food. These lands were managed with strict rules regulating who could hunt and what species could be captured, underscoring the link between hunting and the privileges of the nobility.
The town of La Mancha has also become the International Capital of Hunting Gastronomy
Claiming that origin that definitively united Almagro with hunting, and that played a fundamental role in the economic development of the area, the town of La Mancha now also becomes the International Capital of Hunting Gastronomy. The Palace of the Counts of Valdeparaíso houses Venarithe first cooking school dedicated exclusively to game products, and hosted the first International Hunting Cooking Congress, attended by 19 Michelin stars.
Natural and low fat food
During the congress, prominent leaders such as Miguel Ángel Valverde, president of the Provincial Council, and José María Gallardo, president of Asiccaza, welcomed the more than 300 attendees. In their speeches they highlighted the historical importance of hunting in Castilla-La Manchaa region where this practice, along with wine cultivation, has defined the culture, economy and lifestyle for generations.
One of the central themes of the congress was game meat as a natural, healthy and low-fat food, since it comes from animals that live in freedom and remain active. The endocrinologist and nutrition professor Dr. Antonio Escribano explained how this protein was essential for human development. He recalled that in the first hominids, the consumption of meat provided essential minerals, amino acids and vitamins that promoted brain growth and development and improved general health. This advance allowed the transition to Homo sapiens sapiens.
Eating meat provided minerals, amino acids and vitamins that developed the brain of the first hominids.
Dr. Escribano also highlighted that Game meat continues to be the most suitable source of protein for humans. Additionally, he harshly criticized the rise of synthetic meat, arguing that its health risks are not supported by evolution. According to the doctor, Countries with higher meat consumption also have longer life expectancy, since the amino acids present in animal meat are irreplaceable for the human body.
“The kitchen of perfume”
The congress was also a showcase of the gastronomic richness that game meat offers. Ana Vega, researcher of historical recipe books, presented how hunting has always been a protagonist in the kitchen, while chefs like Toño Pérez, from the Cáceres restaurant Atrio, They claimed traditional dishes like the partridge in the Alcántara way, symbol of Extremaduran gastronomy. Pérez stressed the importance of preserving rural traditions and criticized practices that damage the environment, such as the expansion of solar panels without planning.
Toño Pérez, from the Cáceres restaurant Atrio, stressed the importance of preserving rural traditions and criticized practices that damage the environment
Other chefs like Nacho Manzano, from the Asturian Casa Marcial, They described hunting cuisine as “the cuisine of perfume” because It connects with nature and evokes the landscapes where animals live. Manzano sets its dishes according to the animals’ habitat, highlighting the importance of respecting the natural environment. For its part, Iván Cerdeño, from Toledo’s Cigarral del Ángel, showed how he works with freshly hunted products, such as hares, to capture their freshest and most authentic essence.
The “Formed Hunter”
The event also welcomed young chefs such as Carlos Maldonado from Talavera, who fuses local and mestizo flavors, presenting dishes such as royal hare with Mexican molea sample of the versatility of game meat. For his part, heThe Italian brothers Matteo and Ricardo Vergine They explored how the seasons influence the taste of animals and highlighted the sustainability of this practice.
A round table led by experts, such as the chef Luis Alberto Lera and the veterinarian Christian Gortázar, addressed the current challenges of game meat. It was highlighted that excessive bureaucracy and regulations complicate its commercialization, preventing This healthy and sustainable meat reaches more consumers. The importance of implementing the figure of the “Trained Hunter”, recognized in Europe, to guarantee quality and safety standards, was also discussed.
The event culminated with a call to promote the consumption of game meat in homes, schools and hospitals, not only for its health benefits but also for its contribution to sustainability and the preservation of rural traditions.
Sustainability and biodiversity
The congress held in Almagro was a celebration of game meat and a tribute to the cultural roots of this practice. The chefs and experts gathered agreed that hunting is much more than a source of food: it is a way of life that connects humans with nature, promotes sustainability and respects biodiversity. Almagro, with its historical legacy and innovative vision, has established itself as a world reference in the promotion of this ancient tradition.