Montejo de la Sierra: Routes, Culture and Landscape

Experiences vary considerably, from architectural history and seasonal farm activities to the annual Romería.

Churches and Historical Traces

The Iglesia de San Pedro in Cátedra is a 15th-century Renaissance church. Its notable features include a Mudéjar coffered ceiling and a 12th-century carving. The church is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Its construction period, design and carving point to different periods in its history.

The two hermitages also tell different stories. The Ermita de la Soledad was first built in the 16th century. It is located in the Calvario area, where Montejo de la Sierra’s former Stations of the Cross ended. The Ermita de Nazaret is mentioned as Santa María de Nacerni in the Libro de Montería of Alfonso XI. Alfonso XI ruled Castile from 1312 to 1350. The hermitage stands on a rise overlooking the entire valley and was understood as a place of spiritual retreat.

You can find further traces of former everyday functions at the Horno Suspendido and the Potro de Herrar. The Horno Suspendido is an example of a suspended bread oven, such as those used for baking bread in traditional homes. The Potro de Herrar is the only surviving example of several livestock stocks in the town. It was used not only for shoeing animals but also for treating livestock such as cows and oxen. The Fuente de los Tres Caños dates from the 19th century and was formerly used as a watering place for livestock.

Rural Traditions and Seasonal Experiences

At the family-run organic farm Granja Prados Montes, the agrotourism experience includes accompanying and caring for the herd, as well as working in the vegetable garden, from planting to harvesting. Depending on the season, you can learn about beekeeping, sheep shearing or sowing. If you are planning this experience, check availability in advance.

The Romería de Nuestra Señora de Nazaret takes place on the last Saturday in May. A procession goes from the church to the Ermita de Nazaret. The tradition includes Sierra costumes, Jota music, singing and dancing; the exact program may vary. If you are interested in living traditions, this event offers a different focus from a visit centered mainly on the buildings and their history.

Routes Through Orchards, Hay Meadows and Pastureland

The Por el Camino Viejo a Horcajuelo y las Huertas route is a circular walk through orchards and hay meadows. It follows the old path that connected Montejo de la Sierra with Horcajuelo. The De la Ermita de la Soledad a la de Nazaret route offers a different landscape: it passes through former hay meadows and descends along the Cañada Real de las Merinas drovers’ road. The Por la Dehesa Boyal route runs through the Dehesa Boyal, which is still used as pasture for livestock.

The routes therefore differ mainly in their landscapes and itineraries: a circular walk on an old connecting path, a descent along a drovers’ road, or a path through pastureland that is still in use.

The Hayedo de Montejo is the only beech forest in the Comunidad de Madrid. Access to views of the forest itself is restricted because it is a protected natural area; visits are always free of charge and led by environmental educators. If you are planning a visit, check the current arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Aldea Del Fresno, Villa Del Prado, Cadalso, Alcobendas, Navacerrada, Belmonte De Tajo, Madarcos, San Agustín Del Guadalix

For the main travel overview: Madrid.