Alovera: Discover Routes and Heritage
Accommodation in Alovera
Alovera combines signposted walking and cycling routes with a historic town centre and archaeological remains. The different route lengths, the Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel and local traditions offer practical points of reference for planning your visit. Areas along the Henares riverbank are also suitable for walks.
Routes by Length and Layout
The three signposted walking and cycling routes start and finish at Parque de la ArmonĂa. The Ruta Roja is 4.5 kilometres long and follows a circular route along paved, entirely flat paths. The Ruta Azul covers 10 kilometres; its second section runs alongside the irrigation canal that passes through the town. The Ruta Verde is 18 kilometres long and was originally designed for cycling, mostly on wide, firm-surfaced paths.
The routes offer a clear range of distances. They also have different features: the circular layout and flat terrain of the Ruta Roja, the canal section of the Ruta Azul, and the Ruta Verde’s original focus on cycling. Check the signposting and path conditions locally before choosing a route.
Church and Archaeological Remains
The Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel is the most important heritage site in Alovera’s historic town centre and has medieval origins. The church has three naves and a Renaissance portico with five arches and Ionic capitals. Its Baroque high altar is a polychrome, gilded wooden work. Brothers Juan-Francisco and Pedro González de Vargas created it between 1634 and 1643.
A Roman cupa was discovered in 1999 during foundation work for the church tower. It can now be viewed in the town hall meeting room; check local access arrangements before your visit. A pair of Visigothic eagle-shaped fibulae was found on the Camino de la Barca in Alovera and is now on display at the Museo ArqueolĂłgico Nacional in Madrid. Check the current exhibition before travelling to the museum.
Traditional agricultural buildings have also been preserved around the old town. Along the Henares riverbank near Alovera, there are areas for walks and easy routes. The Henares River marks the eastern-to-western boundary of the municipal area. This geographical context complements the local walking options without implying that they are a signposted route.
Traditions and Getting There
Festivities in honour of the Virgen de la Paz include a traditional procession. The statues of the Virgen de la Paz and San Ildefonso are carried from the chapel dedicated to them through the streets to the Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel. The route and timing may vary from year to year. The festivities also include the traditional preparation of various bollos using recipes passed down through the generations: local residents make them in a local bakery. These include mantecados, torta and biscuits. How participation is organised may vary from year to year.
Alovera can be reached by car via the A-2, exit 44, the R-2, Cabanillas exit, and the N-320 and CM-1008. The N-320 connects the town with Azuqueca de Henares. Check current road conditions before travelling. A bus route connects Alovera with, among other places, Guadalajara, Azuqueca de Henares, Alcalá de Henares and Madrid; check the route and timetable before your journey.
Discover more destinations: Pareja, Aldeanueva de Guadalajara, Pálmaces De Jadraque, Matillas, Mazarete, Fuentelencina, Villares de Jadraque, Bustares.
For the regional travel overview: Guadalajara.
