Robledo De Chavela: Church, Viewpoints and Hiking Route

When looking for a hotel in Robledo De Chavela, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on: sacred art, viewpoints and hikes, or space exploration. These themes also differ in practical terms. At the viewpoints, the choice is between driving and walking; public access to the visitor center is currently suspended. This lets you connect your hotel search with a clear idea of what interests you at your destination.

Sacred Art in the Parish Church

The Iglesia parroquial de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora is protected as a “Bien de Interés Cultural” in the “Monumento” category. Murals on its vaults form a series of almost 80 dragon heads; they may date from around 1500. The dragon motif is a striking subject for anyone interested in the town’s art history.

Another work of art is the Hispano-Flemish altarpiece with influences from Toledo. Its 32 oil-painted panels are dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary; it is dated to the late 15th or early 16th century. Antonio or Fernando del Rincón are possible artists. The murals on the vaults and the altarpiece thus offer two different points of interest for art history: a series of images featuring dragon heads and an altarpiece with a religious dedication and a named attribution.

Viewpoints and Protected Landscape

Most of Robledo de Chavela lies within the “Cuencas y encinares de los ríos Alberche y Cofio” protected area; this area is almost entirely integrated into the Natura 2000 network. The network of viewpoints in Robledo de Chavela can be explored by car. The exception is the Mirador del “Pinar de Robledillo,” which is reached on foot. If you are planning your journey, bear in mind this difference between the viewpoints and check road conditions, which may vary.

The Ruta interpretativa – El Mirador de Robledillo

The Ruta interpretativa - El Mirador de Robledillo passes through the area around the Mirador de Robledillo and the Ermita de San Antonio de Padua. Along the way, visitors can observe the flora and fauna of the landscape surrounded by mountains. The route is 7.5 km long, has an elevation gain of 200 m and is rated easy to moderate. The three factors to help you choose a hike are distance, elevation gain and the stated difficulty level. Organized departures and possible registration requirements may change; check the latest information if you are planning to take part.

Space Exploration and Current Access

The INTA-NASA Training and Visitor Center is located south of Robledo de Chavela and focuses on science education. Its topics include NASA, Deep Space Network centers, space missions and general astronomy, presented through scheduled activities. The permanent exhibition includes an actual moon rock from the Apollo XV mission. The center is closed to the public until further notice. If space exploration is part of your travel interests, check access again before your trip, as the status may change.

Discover more destinations: Jardín De Serracines, Alcorcón, Alameda del Valle, Majadahonda, La Estación, El Molar, Leganés, Moraleja De Enmedio.

For the main travel overview: Madrid.