At more than 1,100 meters above sea level and with just 75 inhabitants, there is a point in the Sierra that is pure tranquility. so much that one would never think that it is a few kilometers from the center of Madrid. In addition to its silence, this enclave is also a true window into the past with its rustic stone houses, haystacks, stables… A golden opportunity to put noise and stress aside and surround yourself with cultivated fields, trees fruit trees and pastures that make you feel like you are in a story. A couple of hours are enough to get to know him and recharge the batteries. Another thing is that you fall in love and you don’t want to leave…
In the foothills of the Ayllón massif, in the Sierra Norte de Madrid, highlights an impressive natural landscape (perfect for lovers of hiking and mountains) of Horcajo de la Sierra, with its mountain architecture and church. Marked by livestock activity, the town still preserves low buildings, made of rustic stone masonry, which were the primitive corrals and shelter for shepherds.
The houses are distributed in the urban fabric next to old barns, corrals and stables. In the surroundings of the municipality and along the Madarquillos River, irrigated lands were distributed for vegetable crops and fruit trees. In addition, there is also a Dehesa Boyal of oak or common land for cattle pasture.
Some authors affirm that the origin of Horcajo de la sierra is found in a watchtower around which the town was built. This, in addition, was transformed into a bell tower and on its side one of the main attractions of the place was built: the church of San Pedro in Cathedra, dating from the 15th century and it is gothic in style.
However, with the passage of time, the church has remained on the outskirts of town. The old town cemetery is also still visible on its south face. Is about a gothic construction masonry, brick and reinforced with ashlars in the corners. Inside you can see:
A copy of the original altarpiece from the 15th century, of flamenco influence, attributed to Pedro Berruguete and Juan González Becerril (the original was removed in 1967 and has ended up installed in the Almudena Cathedral). There is also a statue of San Pedro from the 15th century, in the Gothic style, in a single piece of oak wood, and the tombstone, at the foot of the altar, of Antonio Fernández, priest of the church of Santa María del Castillo, in Buitrago, buried in 1532.
In addition to all this, Horcajo de la Sierra has the hamlet of Aoslos, where there is a recreational area where enjoy with family.
Cover photo | @turismomadrid
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