Cerezo De Arriba: Landscapes, Pilgrimages and Architectural History

Cerezo De Arriba brings together a range of travel interests: landscapes, seasonal activities, and religious and architectural heritage. La Pinilla is located in the Sierra de Ayllón massif within the municipality of Cerezo De Arriba in the province of Segovia. This gives you a choice of topics related to the mountains and local traditions as you plan your trip.

Activities and landscapes

At the foot of Cerezo De Arriba lie the slopes of the La Pinilla winter sports resort. Activities there include skiing, downhill mountain biking, multi-activity experiences and hiking. These activities are available seasonally. Before your trip, check which of the activities you are interested in are offered during your planned travel dates.

The Cañada Real Soriana Occidental passes through Cerezo De Arriba and forms part of the network of nature trails. Trail conditions and signposting may change, so it is advisable to check both before setting out. A notable landmark within the municipality is Pico del Lobo: at 2,274 metres, it is the highest point in the Sierra de Ayllón. From the Nuestra Señora de Cerezuelo hermitage, you can also see the Sierra de Ayllón, the Sierra de Guadarrama and Puerto de Somosierra. The Ruta del Río Duratón includes Cerezo De Arriba as one of the places along its route.

Churches, hermitages and pilgrimages

The Church of San Juan Bautista is a Romanesque religious building. Three of its windows have capitals decorated with depictions of various fantastical animals. The former entrance was remodelled in the Renaissance style, and the interior contains an important Baroque altarpiece. The building thus combines several periods in art history: Romanesque architecture, a later alteration to the entrance and Baroque interior decoration.

The Nuestra Señora de Cerezuelo hermitage was built as a place of prayer in the 16th century. It stands in a meadow between Cerezo De Arriba and Cerezo de Abajo. Its location seems to be connected with the former settlement of Cerezuelo, which joined the municipal association in 1393. This historical connection remains a possible interpretation. The setting and views of several mountain ranges also give the hermitage a distinct connection to the landscape.

Every year in early September, the residents of Cerezo De Arriba hold a pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin of Cerezuelo in the area around the hermitage. The exact date may vary. The romería includes placing a floral crown on the roof of the hermitage’s porch. If you would like to plan your trip around this tradition, check the specific event date.

Another pilgrimage destination is the San Benito hermitage near Cerezo De Arriba. Every year, pilgrimages from Cerezo De Arriba, Cerezo de Abajo and Riofrío de Riaza make their way there. The hermitage lies on the slopes of the landscape once known as “Sierra Buitrera” and is surrounded by oaks. Together with the pilgrimage to Nuestra Señora de Cerezuelo, it illustrates how different places and traditions shape the area’s religious heritage.

Discover more destinations: Saldaña de Ayllón, Valdesimonte, Trescasas, Castroserracín, Yanguas De Eresma, Sepúlveda, Valverde Del Majano, Domingo García.

See the broader travel overview: Segovia.