Patones: Slate, History and Landscape

Discover Patones through its architectural history, archaeological remains and trails across a striking landscape. In Patones de Arriba, black slate defines a notable example of traditional architecture; nearby, archaeological sites and historic waterworks offer further insights. There are also walks, scenic views and a diverse river and floodplain landscape.

Slate Architecture and Historic Buildings

Patones de Arriba is a notable example of black slate architecture. In 1999, the village was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Historic Complex category. Around half a dozen traditional stone wood-fired ovens have been preserved; most are located on Calle del Despeñadero. Their approximate number and distribution make the ovens a tangible part of the village’s historic character.

The former Church of San José now serves as a tourist information office and houses an exhibition space and a model of the surrounding area. The building is no longer used as a place of worship. The Ermita de la Virgen de la Oliva offers another chapter in the area’s religious architectural history: it stands at the foot of the hill where the Dehesa de la Oliva archaeological site is located and dates from the 12th or 13th century. Its Romanesque-Mudéjar style can be seen in the surviving parts; only the apse and the beginning of the nave remain of the original hermitage.

Archaeology and Historic Waterworks

The Dehesa de la Oliva archaeological site is open to visitors. In its upper section, the remains of a significant Late Republican Roman city have been preserved, including an orthogonal street grid, water infrastructure and public buildings. The site also contains a pre-Roman settlement and a later Visigothic necropolis. Information panels and reconstructions explain the buildings and their uses; check whether these facilities are available before your visit.

The Canal de Cabarrús is Patones’s oldest hydraulic infrastructure. It was built in the 18th century to irrigate gardens and fields. Much of the associated infrastructure has been preserved and can be visited by tourists; the canal and its structures are listed as a Bien de Interés Patrimonial. Las Calerizas consists of limestone formations with numerous caves and cavities of archaeological, palaeontological and geomorphological interest.

The Cueva del Reguerillo is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category; it received this designation in 1944. It is currently closed to all visitors because of damage caused by decades of improper use. Check local visitor information before planning a trip.

Trails and Scenic Views

The Senda del Barranco leads from Patones de Abajo to Patones de Arriba through a ravine-like, stepped landscape of geological and faunal interest. It is the only route connecting the two villages. Vehicle access to Patones de Arriba is restricted; park in Patones de Abajo and walk the 800-metre trail. As access rules may change, check them before you travel.

Cancho de la Cabeza reaches 1,264 metres and is the highest point in Patones. From its summit, views extend across the comarca, the El Atazar Reservoir and much of the municipality. Several signposted routes are also described to help you choose a walk: the Senda Genaro (GR-300) is a circular trail connecting six villages around the reservoir. Stages 1 and 2 pass through Patones and connect the village with El Berrueco and El Atazar. Check the waymarking and trail conditions before setting out.

A route in the Carpetania network runs between the Canal de la Parra and Torremocha del Jarama, passing through Patones. It is signposted, can be travelled in either direction on foot or by vehicle, and is 17.5 kilometres each way. If you plan to cycle it, check the waymarking and conditions in advance. Another linear out-and-back route is 16 kilometres long, has little elevation gain and runs parallel to the final stretch of the Lozoya River. It takes in the landscapes of Patones.

Near Patones, you can reach Las Cárcavas via the route from the Pontón de la Oliva dam. Just over a kilometre into the excursion, leave the road and continue on foot. Formed by erosion, the landscape consists of reddish clay with sharp formations and deep channels that resemble towers or industrial chimneys.

Landscape, Wildlife and Geology

Depending on the season, kingfishers, golden orioles, dippers, yellow-green tree frogs and otters may be seen in Patones’s river and riverside woodland ecosystems; sightings are not guaranteed. The cold, clear, oxygen-rich waters are home to trout and barbel. The Museo Aula Geológica complements the experience of nature with an outdoor collection of rocks from the mountain regions of the Madrid region. Inside, the exhibition includes information panels, models and reproductions; here too, it is advisable to check the availability of the exhibition areas before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Algete, Chinchon, Santa María de la Alameda, El Molar, La Cabrera, Torremocha De Jarama, Colmenar Del Arroyo, Casarrubuelos.

For the broader travel overview: Madrid.