Madrona brings together a river landscape, archaeological traces and buildings from different periods. Two routes complement these themes with clearly named destinations and distances. This makes it possible to organise a stay around your interests: landscape and water offer one way to explore the area, while churches, Stations of the Cross, archaeological finds and fortifications add further historical highlights.

Limestone and Water

Madrona lies on a large limestone plateau. The Frío River flows through the area; the rivers that flow through Madrona feed underground aquifers and support fertile, biodiverse land. Water, the geological substrate and soil fertility are therefore interconnected when you consider the landscape. The area’s natural character is not limited to the river: its connection with aquifers and the land’s biodiversity is also part of the picture.

Architecture and Religious Heritage

The Iglesia de la Virgen de la Cerca has Romanesque origins and was modified in the Gothic period; the building dates from the 13th century and was remodelled in the 16th century. Its features include a Mudéjar-style coffered ceiling. The gallery also has detailed architectural features: in the western section, it has moulded arches with chequerboard-patterned chambranas. The double columns are decorated with plant motifs and stand on a podium. Its architectural history can thus be explored both through its different periods and through individual building elements.

The Ermita del Santo Cristo de la Salud stands on the edge of Madrona and features exceptional ashlar masonry. Unlike the arches and columns of the Iglesia, here the stonework is the defining feature. At El Calvario, grouped and signposted Stations of the Cross extend halfway up the slope. This adds a clearly defined religious dimension to the architectural details.

Archaeology and History

The Visigothic site of Cuesta de la Alamilla was officially discovered and excavated in several campaigns during the 1950s. The Ruta Arqueológica follows the Cordel de las Tabladillas to the Visigothic necropolis of Madrona. The fortifications in Madrona from the Spanish Civil War represent a different historical period: they formed part of the third defensive line built by Nationalist troops to prevent the capture of the city of Segovia. The history of archaeological discoveries and the military structures thus offer different ways to explore the past.

Two Routes with Distinctive Features

The Ruta Arqueológica is a 3.5 km circular route; with the La Rumbona variant, the distance is 4.2 km. It follows the Cordel de las Tabladillas to the necropolis and passes the Sotopalacios landscape area, which is crossed by the Milanos River. The route thus combines an archaeological destination with a named landscape area. The two distances provide a clear comparison between the circular route and its variant.

The Ruta II - Riofrío starts at the Ermita del Santo Cristo de la Salud. From Madrona, it climbs along the Camino del Calvario to the wall of the nearby Real Bosque de Riofrío. Compared with the Ruta Arqueológica, its defining features are its starting point and ascent, while the other route can be distinguished by its circular layout, two distances and the necropolis. This makes it possible to compare the described routes by their respective destinations and courses.

For the broader travel overview: Segovia.