A painting by El Greco and routes to lagoons and along the Voltoya offer different ways to explore Martín Muñoz De Las Posadas: the town’s several buildings reveal its art history, while the natural attractions have their own routes and starting points. The weekend route “Por caminos del Mudéjar” through the province of Segovia includes Martín Muñoz De Las Posadas, with the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y San Sebastián or the Palacio Cardenal Espinosa. When planning, you can consider the buildings in the town and the destinations in the municipality as distinct highlights.

Church, Palace, and Plaza Mayor

The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción dates from the 16th century and was built over an earlier structure from the 13th century. Its greatest artistic and historical treasure is “El Calvario,” a painting by El Greco. The connection between the earlier structure and the later church gives the visit a clear historical context, while the painting offers a distinct artistic highlight.

The Palacio del Cardenal Espinosa is a Renaissance building from the 16th century, commissioned by Cardinal Diego de Espinosa and designed by the architect Gaspar de la Vega. In its courtyard, Tuscan columns support the arches. The palace is also connected with the Monastery of El Escorial. This building thus brings together architecture, patronage, and a historical connection extending beyond the town.

The Plaza Mayor is also part of the town’s architectural character: the grand square is lined with arcades in places, and old buildings stand around it. The palace hosts the cultural activity “Patio de Arte: El Cardenal Espinosa y la Pintura de su Tiempo.” Check whether a current date is available before you travel. During a visit to Martín Muñoz De Las Posadas, you can also see a restored sundial.

Lagoons, ponds, and birdlife

Los Lavajos comprises the two lagoons Lavajo Grande and Lavajo Chico. They collect water during periods of snow and heavy precipitation, and the surrounding area is home to a diverse bird population. The pine forests of Las Dehesillas partly border the lagoons. From the town center, you can reach Los Lavajos on foot in approximately 40 minutes via the Colada de la Calzadilla or the Las Dehesillas path. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

Las Balsas is a group of ponds beside the Pinar de Acacio pine forest. It includes Balsa del Horno, Balsa de la Fragua, Balsa de la Plaza, and Balsa del Camino; a diverse bird population can be observed there. Spring is recommended for a walk there. The guidance on timing differs for the two destinations: the spring recommendation is highlighted for Las Balsas, while the water collection at Los Lavajos is associated with periods of snow and heavy precipitation.

Routes along the Voltoya

The “El Naranjo” bridge crosses the Voltoya in the La Irvienza area, within the municipality of Martín Muñoz De Las Posadas, and is a destination for hiking and cycling routes. The bridge needs restoration. Check local conditions before including it in a trip.

A path from the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza follows the Voltoya to the Puente del Antiguo Molino. The return route runs along the opposite bank, crossing the dam and a road bridge on the way back to the chapel. Another recommended hiking route goes from El Navego via Fresneda and the “El Naranjo” bridge, following the Voltoya to the “El Soto” bridge; the return follows the path beside La Dehesa. These route descriptions offer different landmarks along the river. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

An approximately 7.5-kilometer circular route begins and ends at the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza in the El Navego area. It was marked on November 11, 2012; use this distance as a guide and check conditions locally. For planning nature outings, options include both the approximate walking time to Los Lavajos and routes with named bridges and riverbank sections, without implying a walking time for these other routes.

Discover more travel destinations: Cerezo De Arriba, Yanguas De Eresma, La Lastrilla, San Miguel de Bernúy, Chatún, Gallegos, Ayllón, Mata de Quintanar.

For the overview of the wider destination: Segovia.