A number of picturesque towns in the Region of Madrid have notable historical and artistic sites. These places are to be found in beautiful and relaxing natural settings.
In Rascafría, a visit to the Royal Monastery of Santa María de El Paular is a “must”. Declared a National Monument in 1976, this complex shows various different architectural styles ranging from the Gothic to the Baroque, its construction having encompassed a period of over 400 years.
Biking enthusiasts should not fail to visit Ambite –just 9 km from Nuevo Baztán- to go on an outing along the “Green Way of the Tajuña River and the 40-Day Train”. This route runs along the path of an old railway, crossing the whole Tajuña valley through a beautiful flat and easy plain. This trip is an unforgettable experience.
In addition to tasting some outstanding typical local products like anisette, lamb, garlic and crafted cheeses, in Chinchón you’ll be amazed by one of Europe’s most striking medieval town squares. And in Navalcarnero, just 35 km from the city of Madrid, you can see the 16th-century parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and the squares and chapels which make this town a truly impressive historical and artistic heritage site.
The town of Buitrago de Lozoya offers a unique blend of nature, history, culture and art. Here one finds vestiges of ancient times, including the town wall, the castle and the Albarrana Tower, in addition to the Old Bridge and the Picasso Museum. And in Colmenar de Oreja, the fascinating Old Town has been a Heritage of Cultural Interest since 2013.