Don Quixote

La Mancha is a region rich in both natural beauty and historical significance, encompassing parts of the Spanish provinces of Albacete, Cuenca, Ciudad Real, and Toledo. This fertile plateau, perched at around 2,000 feet, extends from the majestic mountains of Toledo to the western foothills of Cuenca, bordered to the south by the Sierra Morena and to the north by the Alcarria. As a historical comarca, La Mancha forms the southern portion of the autonomous community of Castilla La Mancha, representing a significant part of the contemporary administrative region.

Known as the largest plain in Spain, La Mancha comprises a plateau that typically ranges from 500 to 600 meters in altitude, with its center in the province of Ciudad Real. The landscape is nourished by several rivers, including the Guadiana, Jabalón, Záncara, Cigüela, and Júcar.

In literature, La Mancha is perhaps best known through Miguel de Cervantes’ iconic novel, Don Quixote de La Mancha, written in two parts between 1605 and 1615. Cervantes cleverly utilized the term "mancha," which can mean "stain," suggesting an ironically unsuitable homeland for a noble knight-errant. Translator John Ormsby noted that Cervantes likely chose this unremarkable, mundane location to enhance the absurdity of Quixote as a chivalrous figure. Ironically, the popularity of Cervantes' character has since bestowed La Mancha with a worldwide association with romantic chivalry.

Numerous film adaptations of Don Quixote have been shot primarily in La Mancha. However, notable exceptions include the 1957 Russian film and the 1972 English-language adaptation of Man of La Mancha, based on the 1965 Broadway musical; the former was filmed in Crimea, while the latter took place in Italy. Additionally, G. W. Pabst's 1933 rendition of Cervantes’ tale was filmed in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. A 2000 made-for-TV version of Don Quixote, featuring John Lithgow and Bob Hoskins, utilized various locations across Spain but did not include La Mancha.