Olmedilla de Alarcón: Church, Reservoir and Gascas

On the shore of the Alarcón Reservoir, in the municipality of Olmedilla de Alarcón, stands the Monumento a Gascas. The stone monolith commemorates Gascas de Alarcón, which was flooded after the construction of the Alarcón Dam. When the water level falls in summer, parts of the walls and ruins of Gascas de Alarcón become visible.

Culture and Remembrance

The Parroquia de San Pedro y San Pablo was built at the beginning of the 18th century. Inside are frescoes depicting allegories of the 1571 Battle of Lepanto. The church’s former Romanesque baptismal font is kept at the Museo Arqueológico de Cuenca.

Since the monument was inaugurated in 2010, an Homenaje a Gascas has been held in Olmedilla de Alarcón every year. This commemorative event is followed by a Mass on the shore of the reservoir. The memory of the flooded village thus remains present both at the monument and in the annual events calendar.

Another historical trace leads to the Torre de Atojallano. It was station no. 17 on the Madrid–Valencia optical telegraph line, which operated from 1850 to 1855, and has three storeys.

Paths, Water and Landscape

On Stage 11 of the Camino Natural del Júcar, after approximately 3.5 kilometres along the reservoir, you reach a turn-off to Olmedilla de Alarcón. Along the Alarcón Reservoir, the same stage passes through a predominantly agricultural setting with Mediterranean scrubland, holm-oak stands and pine forests.

The Camino Natural has two seasonal interruptions. They cannot be passed when the water level of the Alarcón Reservoir is very high; before setting out, you should check the current situation.

The municipal park of Olmedilla de Alarcón can also be visited. Its impressive entrance has several arches, while the town’s coat of arms can be seen on the paving stones.

The “Pinos de Abdón” Carrera Popular runs through the town’s streets and past natural areas such as the Arroyo de la Hoz. The mixed urban and rural course consists of two laps.

Church art, the shorescape, historical traces and sporting routes offer different focal points; for planning purposes, they can be considered separately and combined over time.

Festivals and Community Traditions

The Fiestas Patronales de San Roque, the town’s patron saint festivities, take place in Olmedilla de Alarcón every August. For 2026, six days from 13 to 18 August were scheduled, with music, bull-related events, verbenas and activities for all age groups.

The San Roque celebrations also include a traditional communal Caldereta meal, whose preparation involves local residents.

When comparing holiday apartments in Olmedilla de Alarcón, you can check travel dates, room category and cancellation policies side by side on the respective offer page. Church art, the shorescape and the August dates can be incorporated separately into your schedule.

Other destinations: Campillo De Altobuey, Chumillas, Valverde De Júcar, Verdelpino de Huete, Tarancón, Villanueva de Guadamejud, Villar De Olalla, Las Majadas

For the higher-level travel overview: Cuenca.