Majaelrayo: Black Slate at Pico Ocejón

Majaelrayo lies at the foot of Pico Ocejón and has a strong pastoral tradition. At 2,048 metres high, Pico Ocejón is the most prominent natural area in the Majaelrayo region.

Culture and History

Majaelrayo is part of the Ruta de la Arquitectura Negra. Its simple buildings are made of black slate and blend into the natural landscape. The traditional houses preserve elements known as “zaquanes” and “sopraos”. The parish church of San Juan Bautista has two wooden porticos on its southern side, as well as a triangular bell gable made of slate masonry and topped with white stone blocks. The Fuente del Caño was built in 1792 during the reign of Charles IV and later restored.

Outside Majaelrayo, the ruins of the Ermita de la Concepción, dedicated to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, can be seen on the Alto de las Paraillas. On the way to Pico Ocejón are the ruins of the Ermita de Santa Ana; references to the chapel date back to around 1500. A hiking trail leads along the Arroyo de la Matilla to the ruins of the old Molino de Majaelrayo mill.

The Fiesta del Santo Niño, also known as Dulce Nombre de Jesús, takes place every year on the first Sunday in September in Majaelrayo and was recognised as a festival of regional tourist interest on 11 February 1986. The celebrations include dances performed by eight dancers in white costumes with red and green ribbons; their tall hats are decorated with flowers. The tradition of the Danzas de Espadas involves dancers with swords and shields performing rhythmic and symbolic movements, as well as turns and symbolic games.

Majaelrayo’s origins are traced back to livestock farmers from Ayllón in the 15th century. While grazing their livestock in the Sierra del Ocejón, they built shelters. Historically, livestock farmers from Majaelrayo belonged to the Concejo de Mesta and drove their herds, consisting predominantly of Merino sheep, to rented pastures in Extremadura or neighbouring areas from around 20 October to 20 May.

Nature and Hiking

The ascent route to Pico Ocejón begins in Majaelrayo’s main square and follows the white-and-yellow markings of a small hiking trail towards the Arroyo de los Molinos. Another ascent leads to Pico Campachuelo; the routes for this ascent and for the ascent to Ocejón are well signposted from Majaelrayo.

Routes and Landscape

The second stage of the GR-60 runs from Campillo De Ranas via Robleluengo and Majaelrayo to Valverde de los Arroyos. The Ruta Escénica del Puerto de la Quesera is a 29 km-long paved rural road connecting Majaelrayo with the Puerto de La Quesera. A forest track from Majaelrayo leads to the Puerto de la Quesera and Riaza; several viewpoints offer views of the Lobo-Cebollera massif and the Jaramilla gorge.

The BTT-7 Majaelrayo mountain bike route is 16 km long. The Área recreativa Aº Retichuelas recreational area is located near Majaelrayo. Route CM-1 “Ocejón por Majaelrayo” covers 13 km for the outward and return journey.

Other Places

Other places in the same wider region are: Pálmaces De Jadraque, Almoguera, Luzón, Zaorejas, Gálvez, Pareja and Corduente.

Getting There

From Guadalajara, Majaelrayo can be reached via the CM-101 to Humanes, the CM-1004 to Tamajón and then the GU-186 via Campillejo, El Espinar and Campillo de Ranas.

To the wider travel overview: Guadalajara.