Buitrago Del Lozoya: Fortress, Art and Trails
Accommodation in Buitrago Del Lozoya
Buitrago Del Lozoya offers several distinct ways to explore its history: its medieval fortifications, buildings from different periods and the Museo Picasso-Colección Eugenio Arias. The trails also differ clearly in length, difficulty and use. When planning your stay, you can therefore treat cultural history and outdoor activities as separate priorities.
Medieval Fortifications and Architectural History
The walled area of Buitrago Del Lozoya is the most striking and best-preserved fortified complex in the Community of Madrid; it was declared a National Monument in 1931. The Torre del Reloj forms the main entrance to the walled area and was the most important element of its defensive system. The lower battlement walk, known as the adarve bajo, runs parallel to the Lozoya along the north, east and west sides of the fortress. It is about four metres high and about two metres wide.
The Puente del Arrabal, also known as the Puente Viejo, lies north of the medieval walled area and spans the Lozoya with a single semicircular granite arch. The Castillo de los Mendoza dates from the 14th to 15th centuries and features Mudejar architecture built of brick and masonry. It was the residence of the Marqués de Santillana and his family, later the Dukes of the Infantado; Juana of Portugal and her daughter Juana la Beltraneja also lived there.
Art, Sacred Spaces and Historic Architecture
The Casa del Bosque was built by the Mendoza family in the early 16th century in the Dehesa del Bosque, after they had turned the area into a hunting ground in the 15th century. Its distinctive architecture was inspired by 16th-century Italian villas. As a Bien de Interés Patrimonial, the building is protected by the Community of Madrid.
The Iglesia de Santa MarÃa del Castillo was completed at the beginning of the 14th century, possibly on the site of an earlier mosque. Its Gothic roof was converted into a Neo-Mudejar roof during restoration work in the 1980s. The church contains an original 15th-century Mudejar coffered ceiling from the former Hospital de San Salvador, as well as a Renaissance-style processional cross dated 1574.
The church’s 35-metre-high bell tower can be visited from inside via a staircase. The first section has 115 uneven steps. As access arrangements may change, it is best to check the current options before your visit.
The Museo Picasso-Colección Eugenio Arias has been housed in rooms in the town hall since 1985. It preserves works that Picasso dedicated to and gave to his barber, Eugenio Arias. The collection includes drawings, graphic works, photographs, ceramics, pyrography, a Cagafierro, exhibition posters and books inscribed by the artist. The range of objects gives the collection a broad scope beyond paintings.
Trails of Different Lengths
At 560 metres, the easy, linear Senda Ribera del RÃo Lozoya is the shortest of the routes described here; it is intended for pedestrians. The Senda de las Gariñas is an easy eight-kilometre route that can be done as a linear trail or a loop, on foot or by bicycle. It therefore offers a considerably longer option.
The Senda del Cerro de Cinco Villas is a six-kilometre linear route, rated moderate, and can be done on foot or by bicycle. It offers panoramic views across the Lozoya Valley, visibility of which varies by season. The easy, linear Senda del Embalse de Riosequillo is listed at two lengths: 2.5 or 7.5 kilometres; it can also be done on foot or by bicycle. Check trail conditions locally, along with signage on the Senda de las Gariñas and access points for the Senda del Embalse de Riosequillo.
The Ãrea Recreativa Riosequillo is about two kilometres from the town. It has a 4,500-square-metre swimming pool with a capacity of 2,305 people, as well as a free car park with 700 spaces. Check current access and parking options before your visit; details about the facilities may change during renovation work.
Getting There from Madrid
Intercity bus route 191 connects Plaza de Castilla in Madrid with Buitrago Del Lozoya. As routes and timetables may change, it is a good idea to check the timetable for your travel date. By car, you can reach the town from Madrid via the A-1 motorway and exit 74.
Discover more destinations: JardÃn De Serracines, Serranillos del Valle, Moraleja De Enmedio, Gargantilla Del Lozoya, El Berrueco, El Gasco, Galapagar, Cadalso.
See the main travel overview: Madrid.
