Maderuelo between Mudéjar Church and Historic Routes

Maderuelo brings together striking buildings, medieval history, and routes through a landscape shaped by the reservoir. When planning your trip, you can choose from several different focuses: explore Mudéjar architecture and historic buildings, follow one of the described hiking routes, or learn about the local cuisine.

Buildings and History in Maderuelo

The Iglesia de Santa María del Castillo is a Mudéjar church. It is considered the only religious building in Segovia with surviving Caliphal-style remains. This makes it a special point of interest if you are interested in the town’s architectural history. Another part of the medieval complex is the Torreón del Castillo, one of the last surviving parts of the castle that protected Maderuelo’s northern entrance.

Paths and crossings are also among the historic places described here. The Puente Viejo connects Maderuelo with the Ermita de la Veracruz and the higher plateaus. From La Argolla, stairs lead to a viewpoint above a large restored section of wall. From there, you can see the reservoir and the Ermita de la Vera Cruz.

The Romanesque frescoes from the Ermita de la Veracruz were moved to the Museo del Prado in 1950 as a result of the reservoir’s construction. Exact reproductions were installed at the opposite end of the chapel. A visit offers a chance to consider different aspects of the town’s history: religious architecture, fortifications, and the changes associated with the construction of the reservoir.

Maderuelo Siglo XII is a medieval festival that recreates everyday life in 12th-century Castile. The festival features a medieval market, crafts, and music, as well as figures in period dress, battles, processions, and folk scenes in the walled historic center. This gives the festival a different focus from the buildings: it brings historical everyday scenes to the fore.

Hiking Routes and Landscape

The hiking routes differ in their described points of interest. The Senda del Embalse de Linares del Arroyo PRC-SG 10 starts in Maderuelo and leads to the Mirador de La Rivilla. The Senda de la Cañada Olvidada starts in the medieval town of Maderuelo and follows an old livestock drovers’ route toward the Sabinar de Hornuez. The route “De la villa de Maderuelo al Santuario de Hornuez” is 15.88 kilometers long, of moderate difficulty, and takes about four to five hours. Trail conditions may vary, so take this into account when planning.

You can choose between them based on their different features: the Mirador de La Rivilla is the destination on the Senda del Embalse, while the Senda de la Cañada Olvidada follows the course of an old livestock drovers’ route. The route to the Santuario de Hornuez also has a stated distance, difficulty level, and approximate duration. The Embalse de Linares del Arroyo stretches from the foot of Maderuelo to the Hoces del Riaza and covers 690 hectares. This gives the reservoir a distinct place in the description of the landscape.

Maderuelo’s tourist information office provides information about the surrounding area and suggests routes, guided visits, and themed tours. If you are interested in one of these offerings, you can ask there about the available options. This lets you shape your exploration around the buildings, the routes, or their historical interpretation.

Traditional Cuisine

Maderuelo’s traditional cuisine includes suckling lamb and wine from Ribera del Duero, both of which are available to taste. This adds a culinary focus alongside the buildings and hiking routes, without requiring you to limit your stay to a single theme.

Discover more destinations: Roda de Eresma, Gallegos, Bernuy de Porreros, San Miguel de Bernúy, Valseca, Aldeanueva De La Serrezuela, Segovia, Collado Hermoso.

Back to the main travel guide: Segovia.