Canencia lies in a small valley that faces north and is crossed by the Canencia stream. The stream flows into the Lozoya as a tributary. Around the town centre, meadows, vegetable gardens and pastureland alternate; at higher elevations, oak forests and stands of Scots pine shape the landscape. The town therefore offers two distinct ways to explore: historic buildings in the town and the natural and mountain landscapes around Puerto de Canencia.
Bridges with distinct forms
Puente Canto dates from the 14th or 15th century and crosses the Canencia stream. It is 50 metres from the confluence of the Canencia and Ortigal streams. The bridge is defined by two asymmetrical arches, with a viewpoint above the larger arch. At this structure, visitors can appreciate both the shape of the arches and its position at the confluence.
Puente Cadenas has a different shape: it is narrow and crosses the Canencia stream with a single, slightly pointed arch. An old mill and lush riverside vegetation lie nearby. Puente de Matafrailes is the most distant of the three bridges from the town centre. It is probably medieval in origin, built mostly of rubble masonry, and has a single high opening. The bridges thus differ not only in location, but also in their form and materials.
Church, architecture and traditions
The parish church of Santa María del Castillo is a 15th-century Gothic building and is classified as being of national interest. Following damage during the Civil War and subsequent restoration, it now has a rectangular nave, a main chapel and a side chapel. Its features also include a pulpit with Mudéjar stucco and a two-storey tower. The different structural elements offer visitors a tangible glimpse into the town’s architectural history.
Recurring festivals also bring local traditions to life. The Semana de Recuperación de Tradiciones takes place in the first days of August. It includes a market selling regional products and an extensive programme of activities, with active participation from local associations and Canencia residents. Tug-of-war, ribbon dancing and the handkerchief game are among the traditional games being revived.
La Vaquilla is celebrated on 20 January, the feast day of Saint Sebastian. Young people carry and parade a dressed wooden structure with horns; figures wearing bells also take part. The Fiesta del Hornazo falls on Easter Monday and combines an outdoor meal with traditional games. In the second week of October, patron saint festivities follow in honour of the Virgen del Castillo. The programme includes religious events, bullfighting events, folk dances and traditional games. As the dates and programmes of recurring festivals may vary from year to year, it is advisable to check before travelling.
Puerto de Canencia and the forest landscape
Puerto de Canencia is a 1,524-metre-high mountain pass in the Sierra de la Morcuera, between the municipalities of Canencia and Miraflores de la Sierra. Numerous Scots pines define the natural area. The pass is considered one of the classic road cycling climbs in the Community of Madrid. The mountain landscape thus complements the historic buildings in the town, offering a distinct focus for travellers interested in nature and road cycling.
The Área Recreativa del Puerto de Canencia leisure area includes a large car park, a recreation area and a spring. Maintenance or seasonal restrictions may affect the facilities, so check their condition before visiting. In comparing the highlights, different interests come to the fore: historic bridges and church architecture on the one hand, and the mountain-pass landscape, Scots pines and road cycling on the other.
Discover more destinations: Colmenar Viejo, Montejo De La Sierra, Getafe, Rozas De Puerto Real, Jardín De Serracines, Navacerrada, Santa María de la Alameda, Galapagar.
For the overall travel guide: Madrid.
