Ortigosa del Monte: Hiking, Granite and History
Accommodation in Ortigosa Del Monte
Ortigosa del Monte lies at the foot of the Segovian side of the Sierra de Guadarrama. Hiking trails through granite landscapes, historic livestock drovers’ roads, and architectural landmarks are among the topics you can consider when planning your trip. Routes vary in length and focus, and there are also traces of the town’s history and architecture.
Landscape and Historic Routes
Ortigosa del Monte lies at the foot of the Cañada Soriana Occidental, a historic livestock drovers’ road that contributed to the town’s development. The Camino Natural de la Cañada Real Soriana Occidental also offers views of the surrounding area: within the wider regional area of its Otero de Herreros–Embalse del Pontón Alto section, travelers can see Ortigosa del Monte and La Losa from the route.
In the granite landscape, the Los bolos gigantes geological trail passes former quarries. Along the way, it explains how the granite formations came into being. The trail thus links the landscape with the history of quarrying.
Hiking and Wildlife Watching
The Camino de la Mora connects Ortigosa del Monte and La Losa. There are 3.5- and 6-kilometer route options, and the trail is considered suitable for all visitors. These two distances give you a concrete point of reference when planning the length of your excursion.
Holm oaks, ash trees, and cork oaks grow along the Camino de la Mora. The trail is also considered a good spot for birdwatching.
The Sendero Ortigosa del Monte–La Losa crosses the RĂo Milanillos over a wooden bridge. As trail and bridge conditions can change, check them before your visit.
Architectural History and Culture
The Iglesia de San Julián preserves a narrow, undecorated slit window in its apse. Its furnishings include a Gothic stone pulpit and a main altarpiece dating to the early 17th century, created by Francisco Sancho. A Romanesque remnant has also been preserved; the 16th-century alterations have a major influence on the building’s present appearance.
El Berrocal is also connected with the region’s architectural history: this archaeological site was the main source of stone for the construction of the Acueducto de Segovia. An old copper-mine shaft is located at the northwestern end of the site. These two details point to different uses of the place, from copper mining to the extraction of building stone.
In the 18th century, the Casa del Esquileo was a shearing compound and wool-washing facility; its large portal bears a family coat of arms. The historic complex included livestock pens, storage and work rooms, an oratory, living quarters for the owners, and an area for drying wool. Its functions show the kinds of activities and spaces associated with such an operation.
The patron-saint festivities in honor of Nuestra Señora del Rosario take place in mid-August. If you would like to plan your trip around the festivities, check the dates in advance. The Centro Cultural Elena Fortún hosts cultural activities such as theater, concerts, and classes.
Plan Your Journey
A regional bus line connects Otero de Herreros, Ortigosa del Monte, La Losa, Navas de RiofrĂo, Revenga, Segovia Guiomar AVE station, and Segovia in both directions. Check the timetable for your travel day. Ortigosa del Monte station is located at Avenida EstaciĂłn Ferrocarril, s/n, 40421 Ortigosa del Monte, Segovia; check current operating conditions before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Valdevarnés, Los Cortos, Maderuelo, Fuentemilanos, Migueláñez, Brieva, Trescasas, San Cristóbal De Segovia.
For the overview of the wider area: Segovia.
