Our Heritage

ROMAN BRIDGE

The strategic location of Puerto Lapice made it a step of great importance. For this reason, it is believed that the Romans followed in the footsteps of the Iberians and that part of the road that linked Amensarca, Álava, Bastia and Consaburum (current Consuegra) with Laminium is located in the area, as attested by the remains of the so-called Roman bridge. .

If the aforementioned bridge had an Iberian origin, these would also be the oldest remains preserved in Puerto Lápice.

HERMITE OF ST. ISIDRO

This hermitage is located two kilometers from the center of the town. It has easy access via a signposted paved road in the southern part of the town.

The path is part of the Don Quixote route, a European Cultural itinerary. Pedestrians and bicycles have priority in its use, which is why many residents and visitors travel the two kilometers that separate it from the town daily. The road connects Puerto Lapice with another nearby municipality, Las Labores, and winds at the foot of the high mountain ranges of the foothills of the Montes de Toledo. On its route it passes through vineyards and olive groves, and the Valdehierro stream. At this point, walkers and cyclists can choose to follow the dirt roads, especially the one that runs parallel to the stream that connects with the path up to the mills on the southwest path.

HERMITAGE OF SAN JOSÉ

Originally it was the municipality's primitive cemetery. It will not be until the 60s when it is transformed into the current hermitage dedicated to San José.

It is a small enclosure reminiscent of a corral with its watering troughs and small chapel. It is distinguished by its whitewashed façade and indigo plinth.

Located at the southern entrance of the town, on the way to Villarta de San Juan, religious celebrations take place there, such as the blessing of the palms and the procession popularly called "the little donkey" in memory of the entrance of the Holy Family in Bethlehem.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL

The Parish Church was built in 1859. It features neo-Romanesque elements and, essentially, the archivolts at the entrance. The central nave is more than twenty meters long and six meters wide. Large windows (stained glass) open on the walls, filling the interior with light and color.

The town's patron saint, the Virgin of Good Counsel, and the patron saint, San Antonio Abad, are two of the most revered images. Next to them, the beautiful Virgin of Sorrows, the Holy Christ of Medinaceli and the superb carving of the Lying Christ.

As in so many other places, the Civil War resulted in the disappearance of the altarpiece and an unknown number of images and relics.

The church has undergone some important renovations. The first affected the belfry, which was crowned with a large cast iron bell. Due to his excessive weight he got off and now presides over the entrance to the small square of the church of Nuestra Señora del Buen Consejo.

The latest and current renovation has involved reinforcing the ceilings that were in very poor condition and modifying the elements of the altar.

WINDMILLS

In 1925 this mill was still in operation. The neighbors accessed it to grind wheat, either through the horse trail located in its eastern part, or through the road called La Nava for carts. This mill also had a nearby building, the miller's shed, and a dividing wall was also built that allowed livestock to be kept.

The two millers of whom there is evidence were called Galán and Albertano.

In 1953, Information and Tourism decided to rebuild a second mill. The mayor, Mr. César Gómez-Calcerrada, also participated in this decision; The installation of the light was carried out by D. Marcial; and the builder was Mr. Florencio Fernández.

The last of the mills is the one that is located on a stone hill.

All three have been the subject of constant concern for the City Council. Thus, the last reform was undertaken by Mayor José Pavón, who rebuilt the most deteriorated mills. The mayor, Mrs. Ana Mª. Contreras, has improved its interior fittings. The Parish Church was built in 1859. It features neo-Romanesque elements and, essentially, the archivolts at the entrance. The central nave is more than twenty meters long and six meters wide. Large windows (stained glass) open on the walls, filling the interior with light and color.

CONSTITUTION PLAZA

The Plaza Mayor of Puerto Lápice is a beautiful square in La Mancha, with two levels of wooden arcades painted reddish. It is the meeting point for residents and visitors. Parties, dances and theaters are held there as it is shaped like a comedy corral.

In its western part it flows into the old Rincón inn. Upon crossing its entrance arch we will find ourselves in a neighborhood patio surrounded by homes, just as the old inns were conceived (rooms around a common central patio).

To the right of the entrance is an old well on which stands an old olive tree trunk from which the pulley, bucket and rope once hung, along with a small pylon.

In the southern part of the square in front of the Town Hall there are small gardens around an old ferris wheel.