Daimiel
- Distance from the Country Cottage: 2 Km
- We recommend: Discover the rich cuisine of the town
- Not to be missed: The Regional Museum of Daimiel, surprising.(Find more+)
Daimiel is a city that traces its origins back to the Bronze Age, as so attested by the archaeological site of the Motilla del Azuer.The real socioeconomic development began in the fifteenth century, the result of this momentum is building the Church of Santa Maria La Mayor, Gothic style.
Today while walking through the streets of Daimiel can admire different examples of architecture that dates back some centuries and reflect different architectural styles. Special mention to the figure and work of architect Miguel Fisac, from Daimiel, the town counting with some of his most representative works.
But undoubtedly Daimiel is known for the National Park Las Tablas de Daimiel, one of fourteen national parks in Spain, declared as an ecosystem characteristic of La Mancha, called "tablas fluviales" (floodplain wetland). Its formation is due to the overflow of the rivers Guadiana and Gigüela in its middle course favored by a limited topographic gradient. The different nature and seasonality of these rivers, along with the interconnection of surface water and groundwater in the area, mark the uniqueness of this natural, recognized by UNESCO as Biosphere Reserve.
History
Through the remains found in both Iberian and Roman settlements, we can say that this land was inhabited throughout antiquity. Later, throughout the Middle Ages, the situation of Daimiel, in the environment of river Guadiana, will result in being affected by the wars that occur for control this important river. The building of a castle in Daimiel, now defunct, by Christians and Muslims was in the interest of protecting this strategic place . With the victory of the Christian kings starts the resettlement of these lands, request received by the Military Order of Calatrava which will have in Daimiel one of its major possesions thanks to its richness of its fertile fields. In 1245 appears the name "Daymiel" for the first time in a written document.
With peace is the time of economic and social growth that continues during the late Middle Ages. The result of this momentum is building the Church of Santa Maria La Mayor, Gothic. This growth is consolidated in the sixteenth century, being Daimiel one of the bigest populations of towns of La Mancha, a situation which requires the creation of another parish: San Pedro Apostol.
In the modern age some women from Daimiel accused of witchcraft were judged by inquisitorial processes , hence Daimiel is known as "the town of witches."
In Contemporary Age, the first half of the nineteenth century is a period of economic, social and cultural setbacks, motivated largely by the War of Independence. It is in the middle of this century, with land reforms and the arrival of the railroad in 1860 when Daimiel will start experiencing a new development. In 1887 the Queen Regent Maria Cristina granted the title of city at the hitherto, village of Daimiel.
The economic, social and cultural development is, at present, a reality that makes Daimiel one of the most important towns of La Mancha.
Places of Interest
- Church Santa María La Mayor
From the late fourteenth century, this Gothic building overlooks the gardens of Parterre from its Renaissance door.
Inside are the Baroque statue of "Cristo de la Expiración" and the sculptural decoration of the capitals that match the dogmatic spirit of the age.
Special mention deserves the capital of the "Siren" in one of the pillars of the nave of the church, A reproduction of it may be watched at the Museo Comarcal de Daimiel (Daimiel county Museum).- Church of San Pedro Apóstol
Its construction is due to the growth of Daimiel in the XV and XVI centuries, seeing the need to build other parish.
This is how Carlos I give license and permission to build this second parish in 1542.
Its plan is a Latin cross with ribbed vaults.
The current altarpiece of 1948 is home to paintings by the local artist Juan D'Opazo.
- Documentation and Interpretation Centre of Water and Manchego Wetlands.
The Documentation and Interpretation Centre of Water and Manchego Wetlands, (CIDAHM), located in Daimiel (Ciudad Real) was designed by architect Miguel Fisac, and there you may know the main natural, social, economic and historical topics related with water in our region. It is integrated into the network of environmental education centers of the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha
- Museo Comarcal de Daimiel (Daimiel County Museum)
The Daimiel County Museum (Museo Comarcal de Daimiel) is housed in the former "Casa del Médico" "Doctor's House", a renovated building that preserves the traditional architectural typology. The museum covers the history and customs of Daimiel and its county, from its earliest beginnings to the present day, and pays tribute to three local illustrious: the architect Miguel Fisac, the painter Juan D'Opazo and the ceramic collector Vicente Carranza.
- Motilla del Azuer
The archaeological site of the Motilla del Azuer, situated on the left bank of the river Azuer, in the town of Daimiel, can be considered a real prehistoric settlement from the Bronze Age, dating from the 15th century B.C. and 23th century B.C. and it has been declared of Cultural Interest (BIC).
- The Holy Week, declared of Regional Tourist Interest
- Carnaval: The pagan festival par excellence, at this time many of the daimieleños hide behind the mask, with its tattered and quirky costumes, to play tricks on their neighbors and relatives. To speak of its origins we must go back to 1650, when it was news of the existence of the "Cofradía de las Ánimas" parading around town. Each year is awarded the distinction of "Máscara Guarrona" to an outstanding citizen for his part in the festivities.
- The Pilgrimage of the Virgen de las Cruces:
Held on Pentecost Sunday and the second Sunday of September in the Sanctuary. Thousands of people flock to the shrine to organize a tipical family food in the country and participate in the religious ceremonies, and folk and gastronomic activities.
- Día de la Sartén (Frying Pan Day):(mid-June), in Del Carmen Park, opposite the Municipal Auditorium: A gastronomic festival that brings together more than a thousand participants. "Migas" (fried crumbs with fried bacon and peppered sausages), fried potatoes, "gachas" (toasted flour and then cooked with water, fried bacon and peppered sausages), "pisto" (fried tomatoes and peppers), along with a delicious lemonade made by all participants. In the evening the party ended with a popular festival.
- Fair and Festival:: is held in honor of the Virgen de las Cruces, patron saint of Daimiel, from 1 to 5 September. Along with these festivities and undoubtedly one of the main attractions is held "Daimiel in Concert" which is an attraction and musical reference for thousands of persons thanks to top artists and groups nationally and internationally singing at the Municipal Auditorium, also known as "Rockódromo de La Mancha".
