Ciudad Real is a Spanish city located in the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha and is the capital of the province of the same name. It has over 76,000 inhabitants and is known as the "capital of La Mancha" .

The city was founded in 1255 by Alfonso X the Wise as Villa Real , with the aim of strengthening the Crown's presence in an area dominated by the Order of Calatrava. It officially received city status in 1420.

Among its most outstanding monuments are the Puerta de Toledo , the only important remnant of the old medieval wall, the Cathedral of Santa María del Prado , the Plaza Mayor and the Provincial Council Palace.

Currently, Ciudad Real is an important administrative, commercial and university center of Castilla-La Mancha, as well as a gateway to discover the historical and natural heritage of La Mancha and the Campo de Calatrava.