In Las Navas De Riofrío, nature and culture come together in distinct ways: the Bosque de Riofrío, with its different forest ecosystems, and the history of sheep shearing, which has shaped the region for centuries. There is also the Palacio de Riofrío and trails that pass local buildings and places where people once went about their daily lives. You can decide in advance whether to focus on the landscape, architecture or traditional crafts.
Forest Landscapes and Trails
Navas de Ríofrío lies at the foot of the Segovian side of the Sierra de Guadarrama. The Bosque de Riofrío extends between Madrona, Hontoria, Revenga, Navas de Ríofrío and La Losa. Its four ecosystems are holm oak forest, juniper forest, Pyrenean oak forest and ash forest; the area is also included in the Natura 2000 network as a Site of Community Importance. The variety of named forest types gives the landscape an ecological dimension that extends beyond any single excursion destination.
In addition to the palace, the forest has a designated recreational area of about five hectares. It includes a viewpoint, signs, benches and tables. The Senda del Mirador is open to visitors free of charge during the opening hours of the Palacio Real de Riofrío and passes through two recreational areas. Since opening hours may change, check them before your visit. The route thus combines a walk in nature with a clear starting point for planning.
The Ruta Urbana Pequeños Exploradores – La Ruta de Las Caceras offers a different perspective. It starts at the Ermita de San Antolín, beside which the Cacera del Navero runs, and passes old washing places. There, older villagers used to wash their clothes on stone slabs. While the Senda del Mirador passes through recreational areas, this village route reveals earlier forms of communal daily life. The route may change due to local maintenance, so check it before setting off.
Palace, Church and Local History
The Palacio de Riofrío was built at the behest of Isabel de Farnesio after the death of Felipe V. The palace houses collections of paintings, sculptures and furniture, as well as a hunting museum. Its dioramas depict game animals in their respective habitats. Alongside the building’s history, art and the portrayal of wildlife are distinct themes of the palace.
Sheep shearing is another important historical legacy. Navas de Ríofrío has a tradition dating back to the early Middle Ages as a shearing centre and a stopover for flocks of sheep. In the second half of the 18th century, Las Navillas was an important site for shearing transhumant flocks and had several shearing yards or houses. The ruins of the El Charcón washing house in Navas de Ríofrío are classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural and preserve the remains of two shearing facilities. The figure of 43,000 sheep shorn in 1752 is cited in connection with the shearing facilities.
The Church of the Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción also offers a glimpse into the area’s architectural history. It is considered a historically significant site and has a Romanesque portal. According to local tradition, the portal came from a hermitage in Cepones.
Dates and Local Traditions
The Ermita de San Antolín was built in 1733; the Brotherhood of San Antolín has existed since its foundation in 1608. San Antolín is celebrated on 2 September. The local festival of the Inmaculada Concepción takes place on 8 December. It includes a procession to the Virgen de la Nava and the traditional auction of processional staffs. If you are interested in local traditions, these set dates provide a specific way to place the village in time. They also differ from enduring traces such as the portal, palace and ruins.
Discover more destinations: Valdesimonte, Maderuelo, Sauquillo de Cabezas, Valleruela De Pedraza, Cerezo De Arriba, Torrecaballeros, Turégano, Corral de Ayllón.
For the broader travel overview: Segovia.
