Santa María de Melque (Toledo, Spain)

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The Melque archaeological ensemble stands out as one of Spain's most significant historical sites from the High Middle Ages. Situated within the San Martín de Montalbán municipality, it lies just 30 kilometers east of Toledo's city center. The complex comprises a remarkably well-preserved church, a monastery, several dams, and a sturdy fence or wall. Despite extensive research, historians remain divided on the exact date of its founding. Some scholars pinpoint its origins in the seventh century during Visigothic times, while others suggest it was established by Mozarabs in the eighth century - Christians living under Muslim rule. Centuries of occupation have allowed the church to maintain an exceptional state of preservation up to this day.