If you plan to travel to the Madrid region of Spain this year, either for business or as part of on an upcoming holiday, you should definitely consider visiting the town of Campo Real, located just 33 kilometers southeast of the Spanish capital. Although small in size, with an area of just 68.2 square kilometers and a population of less than 4,200, the town is quite significant from a historical perspective and features a number of unique sites to visit and a variety of cultural festivities held throughout the year.
The name “Campo Real” and its history can be traced back to the middle of the 10th century, at which time the area was called “Aldea del Campo,” or “village in the plain.” During the Muslim period it was renamed Campo de Almoacid, but in the year 1047 the village was reconquered by the Christians, led by the forces of Fernando I the Great, the first King of Castile. The next year the Moors returned, but they were eventually expelled permanently by the Archbishop of Toledo in 1118. Historical records show that the name “Campo Real” was finally granted to the village in 1580 by King Philip II, when its status was upgraded from village (aldea) to town (villa).
Campo Real is located in the Comarca de Alcala, and is one of several small municipalities that together make up the province of Madrid. The town is famous for its percorino cheese, its olives and olive oil, all of which are exported throughout the world. It is loved for its history and the beautiful natural environment that surrounds it, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists who wish to admire the richness of its architectural heritage and its unique agricultural flavor.
Campo Real photo creditCampo Real boasts a number of beautiful and very important sites and structures, anchored by the Church of Santa Maria del Castillo, named a Provincial Historic Artistic monument in November of 1981. Previously a Templar monastery of the Hospitaller Order of St. John, the church is built high on a hill and has many treasures stored within that are worthy of a visit. The interior and altar of the church most likely date back to the late 12th century or early 13th century, but because of a fire, the exterior had to be rebuilt in the 17th century, mostly in the Renaissance style of architecture. Along with other treasures you’ll encounter in the inside of the building is a grand staircase, lined with sculptures of the 12 apostles.
The Church of Santa Maria del Castillo also has three small chapels, located in various areas throughout the town, including the Chapel of the Holy Christ of the Rock, dedicated to Campo Real’s patron saint, situated behind the Plaza Mayor. This chapel was built in the 18th century and features a granite façade lined with plaster and a slightly elliptical dome. On the outskirts of the town you’ll find the second chapel—the Chapel of Sorrows—a 16th century rectangular structure with vaulted ceilings, and at the entrance of the village a third chapel—the Hermitage of Our Lady of Remedies—also a 16th century structure with a nave dome.
Other popular sites in Campo Real include the Park of San Sebastian, a large green space with plenty of picnic tables and benches, and the Pottery Museum, with European and Arab pottery dating back to the 10th century.
There are many festivals and traditions celebrated in the town of Campo Real, the most famous being the Day of San Isidro, held on May 15th each year and dedicated to the patron saint of farmers, the defining activity of the Campo Real people. Also popular are the Celebrations of Santisimo Cristo de la Pena, held September 13th through the 18th, in honor of the Holy Christ de la Pena; and the Celebrations of the Blessed Virgin de Remedios, held each year on September 8th.
