Albacete

Albacete was founded in the 8th century under the Arabic name 'Al-Basit'. Today, it is a vibrant and modern city, and the most populous of all those in Castilla-La Mancha.

From the 16th century, when Albacete was already considered a town, dates its Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, although it wasn't completed until the mid-20th century. In it, different architectural styles can be observed in addition to the main Renaissance style. The Pasaje de Lodares is one of the emblematic spots in the city. In a modernist style, it is a shopping arcade that houses various shops, including some knife shops where the famous Albacete knives are sold. There is also a museum dedicated to the Albacete knife-making tradition: the Municipal Museum of Cutlery. Inside the Posada del Rosario, you can also see a magnificent example of a blazoned façade belonging to the old Casa de los Picos. This building, now a tourist information office, is a good example of a typical Castilian inn.

The Abelardo Sánchez Park is the largest green space in the city. It is located in the centre of Albacete and is of a romantic style, as it was designed in the 19th century. Another green space in the city is the Fiesta del Árbol Park, where there are water tanks considered representative of the city.

Within Albacete's cultural agenda, performances at the Teatro Circo stand out, built in the 19th century following the European theatre-circus standards.

The Altozano Square is one of the main meeting points in Albacete. It is presided over by the Mochilero monument and is a perfect place to start enjoying the Albacete gastronomy of taverns. Tejares Street is also a good area for tapas. Snails and Manchego ratatouille are some of the delights that can be enjoyed in Albacete.

The most popular festival in the Albacete capital is the Feria de Albacete, held in September in honour of the Virgin of Los Llanos. It lasts for ten days, and its antiquity, combined with the large number of activities and attractions available during the festive days, has led the Feria de Albacete to be declared of International Tourist Interest.