Cubillo lies between the uplands and the peneplain of the Sierra de Guadarrama. Its defining features include the Romanesque parish church of San Juan with its bell tower, four façades with typical Segovian esgrafiado, and local festival traditions associated with San Roque. Two named watercourses are also part of its geographical description: the Arroyo de La Matilla, also known as San Roque, and the Río de Santa Águeda irrigate El Cubillo.

Landscape and Local Setting

The setting between the uplands and the peneplain of the Sierra de Guadarrama forms the landscape around the town. The geographical description includes the Arroyo de La Matilla and the Río de Santa Águeda; both irrigate El Cubillo. The Arroyo is also called San Roque. The same name thus appears in two contexts: as another name for the watercourse and as the name of Cubillo’s main festival. Cubillo is part of the Comunidad de Villa y Tierra de Pedraza.

Architectural Heritage: Church and Façades

The parish church of San Juan is a Romanesque building with a bell tower. Four façades in Cubillo feature typical Segovian esgrafiado. These are two distinct architectural features: the church building and its stylistic classification, and the design of several façades. Cubillo has also been declared a “Conjunto Monumental.” For culturally minded travelers, this brings together a specific building, a façade motif, and an overarching heritage designation. The technical term esgrafiado refers to a form of façade decoration; the Romanesque style classifies the parish church.

Festival Traditions Throughout the Year

San Roque and La Recogida

San Roque, Cubillo’s main festival, is celebrated on August 16. The continuing tradition of “La Recogida” takes place early the following morning; afterward, residents share what has been collected. In the past, children from the village school went from house to house collecting eggs or torreznos. The schoolchildren’s former collection custom and the present-day timing after San Roque offer different insights into the tradition. The dates also differ: San Roque falls on August 16, while La Recogida takes place early the following morning; the shared Romería is held in summer. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival period, check the exact dates in advance.

Summer Romería

In summer, Cubillo joins Arahuetes, Arevalillo de Cega, El Cubillo, Guijar, and Valdevacas for a Romería to the Refugio de los Guardas in the municipal area of Arahuetes. A shared meal with music follows. Unlike La Recogida, this Romería is an event shared by several towns; La Recogida is timed to follow Cubillo’s main festival. Together, these traditions comprise a local festival associated with San Roque and a summer pilgrimage with a shared destination and celebration afterward.

Discover more destinations: Fuentepelayo, Caballar, Roda de Eresma, Cabanillas, Valdeprados, Prádena, Valdevarnés, Aldealengua De Santa María.

For the broader travel overview: Segovia.