San Lorenzo de Calatrava: Hiking, Rock Art and History

San Lorenzo de Calatrava can be explored through a variety of themes: hiking trails, rock art, a protected tunnel area and local traditions. For trip planning, the route information and the access rules for the tunnels offer practical guidance; places of cultural and historical interest and recurring festivals round out the picture of the town.

Hiking around San Lorenzo de Calatrava

The Ruta 31 Sierra Alta is a 13-kilometre linear hiking route. Its difficulty level is moderate, and the stated duration is 3.5 hours. These details help you gauge the distance and time required for the hike. Check trail conditions locally before setting out.

The route continues to the crossing of the Río Rigüelo and can then be extended to the rock paintings of La Jalbegada. The extension is therefore a further section of the route description; you should not automatically take the stated 3.5 hours to include this additional stretch. Hiking trails also lead from the town to the Sierra del Ventorrillo and Peña Bermeja. Nearby, the Puerto del Mochuelo route also offers natural viewpoints.

The area around San Lorenzo de Calatrava includes mountain ranges, holm oak groves and valleys. The town is part of the Parque Natural del Valle de Alcudia y Sierra Madrona nature park. San Lorenzo de Calatrava is also one of the municipalities in the Valle de Alcudia y Sierra Madrona zone that have joined the Starlight Initiative.

Rock art and local history

The rock paintings of La Jalbegada are located near San Lorenzo de Calatrava. They depict eleven figures, four of which are larger than the others. The municipality has significant examples of schematic art, and La Jalbegada is considered an outstanding example. The paintings may date to a prehistoric period.

The parish church of San Lorenzo Mártir is also part of the town’s history: it was built in the 1970s. A possible medieval origin for San Lorenzo de Calatrava may be linked to a small hermitage dedicated to Saint Lawrence. In 1588, livestock farmers and beekeepers petitioned Philip II for such a hermitage so they could hear Mass there.

Hand washing has taken place at the Lavaderos del Caño for more than 80 years. In the past, the washhouses also served as a meeting place where women socialised while doing the laundry. This former social function adds a communal aspect to the practical history of the place.

Túneles de Ojailén: nature and access rules

The Microrreserva Túneles de Ojailén also extends into the municipality of San Lorenzo de Calatrava. The protected area comprises five railway tunnels that form part of the unfinished railway project from Puertollano to Marmolejo. In winter, the tunnels shelter around 2,000 bats. This makes the Microrreserva the second most important wintering site for cave-dwelling bats in Castilla-La Mancha.

The Microrreserva is open to visitors all year round. However, entering the tunnels is prohibited, particularly during the bats’ hibernation period. Follow current signage and respect property restrictions during your visit. This clearly distinguishes the access rules for the protected area from the restriction on entering the tunnels.

Festivals throughout the year

Recurring celebrations include the patron saint festivities in honour of San Lorenzo Mártir, held from 9 to 12 August, and the La Reliquia del Santo procession on 10 April. San Marcos is celebrated on 25 March and is associated with Hornazo. The San Isidro pilgrimage takes place on 15 May; it includes a day of relaxation in the countryside. The dates therefore span the period from spring through to August. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the latest event dates, as details may change from year to year.

Discover more destinations: El Robledo, Herencia, Los Cortijos, Navas De Estena, Villahermosa, Tomelloso, Fuente El Fresno, Alcázar De San Juan

Go to the main travel overview: Ciudad Real.