Patones combines black-slate architecture with archaeological traces, historic water engineering and trails through a geologically striking landscape. Travel options also vary in scale: alongside buildings and a site open to visitors, there is an 800-metre connecting path and considerably longer routes. This lets you focus your visit on history, landscape or a particular route length.

Slate Architecture and Historic Buildings

Patones de Arriba is a representative example of black-slate architecture. In 1999, the village was protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest) in the Historic Ensemble category. Surviving details include around half a dozen traditional stone wood-fired ovens; most are on Calle del Despeñadero.

The former church of San José now has a different use: it houses the tourist office, an exhibition space and a model of the surrounding area. The building is no longer used as a place of worship. Protected architecture and a practical visitor information point thus come together in the village.

Archaeological Layers and Romanesque-Mudéjar Style

The archaeological site of Dehesa de la Oliva, which is open to visitors, offers a glimpse of traces from different historical periods. The upper area preserves the remains of an important Late Republican Roman city, including an orthogonal street grid, water infrastructure and public buildings. The site also includes a pre-Roman settlement and a later Visigothic necropolis. Information panels and reconstructions explain the buildings and their uses; some installations may be updated or temporarily unavailable.

At the foot of the site’s hill stands the Ermita de la Virgen de la Oliva. Dating from the 12th or 13th century, it was built in the Romanesque-Mudéjar style. Only the apse and the beginning of the nave remain of the original church. The archaeological site and the hermitage therefore offer different points of interest for a visit: archaeological structures on the hill and a medieval religious building at its foot.

Water Engineering as Part of Local History

The Canal de Cabarrús is Patones’ oldest hydraulic infrastructure. It was built in the 18th century to irrigate gardens and fields. Much of the associated infrastructure survives and can be visited; the canal and its structures are listed as a Bien de Interés Patrimonial (Asset of Cultural Heritage). Access arrangements may vary, so it is worth checking them before your visit.

Trails Between the Two Villages and Longer Routes

The Senda del Barranco is the only path connecting Patones de Abajo and Patones de Arriba. It climbs from the lower village to the upper one through a gorge-like, stepped landscape of geological and faunal interest. Because vehicle access to Patones de Arriba is restricted, visitors are asked to park in Patones de Abajo and walk the 800-metre path.

Several routes are available for longer outings. The well-marked Senda Genaro (GR-300) is a circular walking route connecting six villages around the El Atazar Reservoir. Stages 1 and 2 pass through Patones and connect the village with El Berrueco and El Atazar. A route in the Carpetania network runs through Patones between the Canal de la Parra and Torremocha del Jarama. It is 17.5 kilometres long, follows a one-way route and can be travelled in either direction on foot or by bicycle. Compared with the 800-metre connecting path, these routes are considerably different in scale. Check the signage and trail conditions before setting out, especially before cycling.

Near Patones are the Cárcavas, an eroded landscape of reddish clay with pointed formations and deep channels resembling towers or industrial chimneys. The route there starts at the Pontón de la Oliva Dam. A little over a kilometre into the excursion, you leave the road and continue on foot; access information may change.

Landscape, Geology and Wildlife Watching

At 1,264 metres, Cancho de la Cabeza is the highest point in Patones. From the summit, you can enjoy expansive views of the comarca, the El Atazar Reservoir and much of the municipality. The Museo Aula Geológica adds to the landscape theme: outside, it displays a collection of rocks from the mountain regions of the Madrid region; inside, it features an exhibition with information panels, models and reproductions. Parts of the exhibition may be updated or temporarily unavailable; check current visitor information in advance.

The river and riparian woodland ecosystems are also among Patones’ natural attractions. Depending on the season, you may spot kingfishers, golden orioles, white-throated dippers, Perez’s frogs and otters, among other species; sightings are not guaranteed. The cold, clear, oxygen-rich waters also provide habitat for trout and barbels.

If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay in Patones, you can choose based on what interests you most: architectural history and the archaeological site are options, as are landscapes and trails of very different lengths.

Discover more destinations: Velilla De San Antonio, Olmeda De Las Fuentes, Madrid, El Escorial, Ribatejada, Paracuellos De Jarama, Meco, Madarcos.

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