A beech forest, trails through pastureland and buildings with a long history give Montejo de la Sierra many different facets. Those who choose the town for an exploratory trip can focus on nature, farming and cultural traditions.
Nature, Pastureland and Trails
Hayedo de Montejo is the only beech forest in the Community of Madrid. Because it is a protected natural area, access to views of the forest itself is limited. Visits to view the forest are always free and are led by environmental educators. As visitor arrangements may change, it is best to check them in advance.
Three routes offer different highlights. Por el Camino Viejo a Horcajuelo y las Huertas is a circular route through orchards and hay meadows. It follows the old path that connected Montejo de la Sierra with Horcajuelo. De la Ermita de la Soledad a la de Nazaret also passes through former hay meadows; on the descent, the route follows the Cañada Real de las Merinas drovers’ road. Por la Dehesa Boyal passes through Montejo’s Dehesa of the same name, which is still used as grazing land for livestock. The landscapes described therefore vary, from orchards and hay meadows to former pastureland and a livestock pasture that is still in use.
Architectural History and Traditional Sites
The Iglesia de San Pedro in Cátedra is a 15th-century Renaissance church. Its features include a Mudéjar coffered ceiling and a 12th-century carving. The church is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural.
The Ermita de la Soledad was originally built in the 16th century. It is located in the area known as Calvario, where Montejo de la Sierra’s former Stations of the Cross ended. The Fuente de los Tres Caños dates from the 19th century and was once used as a livestock watering trough. The Horno Suspendido is an example of the suspended bread ovens used in traditional houses for baking bread. The Potro de Herrar also tells the story of work with livestock in the past: it is the only one of several livestock stocks in the town that still remains, and was used both for shoeing and for treating cows, oxen and other livestock.
The Ermita de Nazaret is mentioned in the Libro de MonterĂa of Alfonso XI, who was King of Castile from 1312 to 1350. There, it appears as Santa MarĂa de Nacerni. It stands on a hill offering views across the entire valley, and was regarded as a place of spiritual retreat. The site thus combines a historical account of its name with its elevated position.
RomerĂa and Insights into Farming
The annual RomerĂa de Nuestra Señora de Nazaret takes place on the last Saturday in May. The procession goes from the church to the Ermita de Nazaret. The tradition includes Sierra regional dress, jota music, singing and dancing; individual program details may vary. Those interested in regional customs will find a specific cultural connection here, tied to a set date in the annual calendar.
Granja Prados Montes offers an agrotourism experience at a family-run organic farm in Montejo de la Sierra. Activities include accompanying and caring for the herd, as well as working in the vegetable garden, from planting to harvesting. Depending on the season, visitors can learn about beekeeping, sheep shearing or sowing. Availability may change, so check in advance whether the experience can be booked.
When planning your own trip, you can weigh up different interests: trails through varied landscapes, architectural and local history, a recurring tradition or an insight into farm work.
Discover more destinations: Brunete, Somosaguas, Majadahonda, TorrejĂłn De Ardoz, Tres Cantos, Villaviciosa De OdĂłn, Buitrago Del Lozoya, Brea De Tajo.
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