Martín Muñoz De Las Posadas: Art, Water and Trails

Martín Muñoz de las Posadas combines a distinctive artistic and architectural history with trails leading to lagoons, ponds and the Voltoya River. When choosing a hotel, it may help to plan your stay around whether you are especially interested in the history of churches and palaces or in walks through the countryside. The sights and routes offer specific points of reference.

Church, Palace and Local History

The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is a 16th-century building erected over a predecessor dating from the 13th century. Its greatest artistic treasure is “El Calvario,” a painting by El Greco. Two distinct aspects of the church therefore stand out: the succession of its building phases and a well-known work of art by a named painter.

The Palacio del Cardenal Espinosa is also a Renaissance building from the 16th century. Cardinal Diego de Espinosa commissioned its construction to a design by the architect Gaspar de la Vega. In the courtyard, Tuscan columns support the arches; the palace is also associated with the Monastery of El Escorial. The building’s design, courtyard and historical connection each offer a distinct perspective on local history.

The weekend route “Por caminos del Mudéjar” runs through the province of Segovia and includes the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y San Sebastián and/or the Palacio Cardenal Espinosa in Martín Muñoz de las Posadas. If you plan to include this route in your itinerary, check the current route arrangements before travelling. At Plaza Mayor, old buildings give character to the square, which is lined with arcades on about half its perimeter. A restored sundial can also be seen on a visit to Martín Muñoz de las Posadas.

Lagoons, Ponds and Birdlife

Los Lavajos consists of the Lavajo Grande and Lavajo Chico lagoons. They collect water when there is snow and abundant rainfall, and the surrounding area is home to a diverse birdlife. Pine forests in Las Dehesillas partially border the lagoons. From the town centre, you can reach Los Lavajos on foot via the Colada de la Calzadilla or Las Dehesillas trail in about 40 minutes. This time estimate is a guide for these two named trails.

The ponds of Las Balsas, next to the Pinar de Acacio pine forest, form a different part of the landscape. The group includes Balsa del Horno, Balsa de la Fragua, Balsa de la Plaza and Balsa del Camino. A diverse birdlife can also be observed there, and spring is recommended for a walk. The lagoons and named ponds thus offer different places to visit if you would like to combine your stay with wildlife watching and a walk.

Trails Along the Voltoya

The “El Naranjo” bridge crosses the Voltoya in the La Irvienza area within the municipality. It is a destination for hiking and cycling routes. The bridge is noted as needing restoration, so check local conditions before setting out on a route. One recommended hike runs from El Navego via Fresneda and the El Naranjo bridge, following the Voltoya to the El Soto bridge. The return route follows the trail beside La Dehesa.

A trail from the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza follows the Voltoya to the Puente del Antiguo Molino. It then continues to the dam and returns to the chapel via a road bridge, this time along the opposite bank. Another circular route is about 7.5 kilometres long; it begins and ends at the hermitage in the El Navego area and was marked on 11 November 2012. The distance and route description are a guide, not a guarantee of the trail’s current condition. It is therefore advisable to check locally before setting out.

You can plan your stay around your interests: the buildings and Plaza Mayor represent the town’s history, while the trails explore different parts of the landscape and the Voltoya. The approximate walking time to Los Lavajos and the length of the circular route near El Navego describe two different things—the journey to a natural attraction and the distance of a loop walk.

Discover more destinations: Fresno De Cantespino, Dehesa Mayor, San Miguel de Bernúy, Pelayos del Arroyo, Carbonero El Mayor, Castroserracín, Cozuelos de Fuentidueña, Sebúlcor.

For the broader travel overview: Segovia.