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 This
small town in Ciudad Real set deep in
the region of Castilla La Mancha, whose
origins date back to the Greek period,
is located to the Northeast of Campo
de Calatrava and boasts one of the most
important protected wildlife areas in
the whole of Castilla-La Mancha known
as 'Las Tablas de Daimiel'.
This natural reserve is just 19 miles
(30 km) northeast of the city of Ciudad
Real and was created in 1973. It occupies
4,633 acres (1,875 hectares) and lies
at the confluence of the Guadiana and
Ciguela rivers. The fresh and brackish
waters converge on the marshes and support
both migratory and resident waterfowl
year-round. The Tablas de Damiel has
been designated a Ramsar site and nominated
as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Over time it has lost many of its hectares,
due to drought and the conversion of
land into agricultural areas which has
also contributed to parts of it drying
up completely. There is a plan in place
for hydric regeneration which should
at least ensure the minimum level of
water sufficient for the development
of wildlife in the park. Generally
the vegetation is quite varied and predominantly
aquatic. You can see trees such as weeping
willows, poplars and many different
types of shrubs.
The fauna is made up of species that
are difficult to spot with the naked
eye. The most frequent are crayfish,
turtles and carp. Animals that can be
spotted are weasels and water rats.
There are also many different species
of birds such as herons and other water
birds.
The village of Damiel became autonomous
in the 16th century. It was given city
status by la Reina (queen) Cristina.
Amonsgst the most important historical
monuments are the Parish church, Santa
María la Mayor, and the Convent
'Los Carmelitas'. However, it is most
famous for its wine cellars and its
numerous water wheels.
Restaurants in Damiel: For good
traditional cuisine at reasonable prices
in a lovely rustic 18th century bodega,
try Mesón El Bodegón
in Damiel. The restaurants of the hotels
Parador
of Manzanares and Castillo
de Pilas Bonas (both 25 km. from
Damiel) serve typical Manchegan dishes
using local produce and are both recommended.
Where to stay in Damiel: The Parador
of Manzanares is an excellent
choice.
 For
visitors preferring to stay in a larger
town, the Hotel
Silken Alfonso X **** is a lovely
hotel set in a 19th Century building
in the old part of Ciudad Real.
See: Photos
of Las Tablas de Damiel.
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