MANZANARES, a town of New Castile, Spain, capital of the partido of its own name, in the province of Ciudad Real, 98 miles S. of Madrid. Situated in a vast plain 1882 feet above the sea level, it enjoys a serene sky and salubrious climate. The small river Azul flows near it, and the high road of Andalucía passes through it, forming its main street. The houses are mostly well built, with open courts, covered in summer with an awning. To the S.E. of the town is the ancient castle called De Peñas Borrás, with wall and fosse; it was repaired and garrisoned during the war of independence. Besides a grammar school there
are six other schools in the town, an hospital, and a recently erected parish church of modern Gothic architecture. The country around is perfectly flat, and quite destitute of wood and water, so that the soil, though fertile, requires careful irrigation; and the want of fuel is supplied with rye-straw, manure, olive, and vine cuttings. The productions of the district are wheat, rye, anise, saffron, potatoes, wine, and oil. A good deal of sheep and horned cattle are reared, as well as mules for plough and carriage. Of manufactures, the town contains four of linen cloth, as many of woollen, besides several of soap and brandy; and lime and tile kilns. It is rather noted for its excellent carriage-makers and workers in iron. A considerable number of the inhabitants are carriers, conveying grain, wine, oil, and oranges, &c., to Madrid, Andalucía, and Valencia. There is a market every Thursday. Pop. (1845) 9060.