Villanueva de Alcardete

History

Villanueva de Alcardete was formed through the union of three hamlets: "Caudete", "Cardete" and "La Ventosa"; all three located near the river Gigüela. The Maestre of Santiago ordered the population of the area into a single village, wich was initially called  "Villanueva".  The surname "Alcardete" shaped its final designation.llage belonged to the Order of Santiago and was governed by successive knight-commanders from the 15th century. 

Villanueva de Alcardete

It is an eminently Manchego location, dedicated to agriculture and livestock farming since its very beginnings. Villanueva de Alcardete retains fragments of history in its monuments; of special note is the splendid renaissance-style church of Santiago Apostol (1511-1553).

The traveller can enThe traveller can enjoy the friendliness of the inhabitans during the festivities, dedicated to the Virging of Mercy, wich is celebrated during the second weekend in November.

Geography / climate

Its situation in the center of La Mancha region makes Villanueva a place of climatic extremes, with noticeable temperature differences between the summer (35º) and the winter (-5º).

The rain is scarce; the winds are variable; and the skies are clear for 80% of the days of the year. The dryness of the land is a characteristic shared by the adjoining countryside; the flatness of the plain bronken only by a few isolated trees.