Ventosa – Alto Tajo Natural Park and Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Hoz

Ventosa is located in Alto Tajo Natural Park. In the Barranco de la Hoz near Ventosa, the Río Gallo winds its way between pine and juniper forests as well as reddish sandstone formations. The river, forest and rock each shape their own view of the landscape. The Barranco de la Hoz was selected as one of Spain’s sites of international geological significance.

Nature and geology

The landscape of the Barranco de la Hoz combines the course of the Río Gallo with pine and juniper forests and reddish sandstone formations. Alongside the site’s geological classification, it is precisely this combination of different landscape aspects that stands out. Alto Tajo Natural Park provides the spatial setting for Ventosa, while the Barranco de la Hoz is highlighted as an independent site of international geological significance. Nature and geology can thus be considered separately without losing sight of their immediate connection in the landscape.

Culture and architecture

The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Hoz is integrated into the rock, nestled beneath it and surrounded by riverside vegetation. The sanctuary features a Gothic-Renaissance style and has origins dating back to the 13th century. Inside, the main altar is dominated by a Romanesque depiction of the Virgen de la Hoz from the 12th century. Rock, riverside vegetation, architectural history and altarpiece thus stand alongside one another as different features of the same place.

Viewpoints and history

The Miradores del Barranco de la Virgen de la Hoz comprise three developed viewpoints. They can be reached via a winding path with steps carved into the rock. Remains of a Celtiberian settlement have been preserved on Cerro Coronado near Ventosa. Ventosa also contains the remains of a defensive tower from the 13th century. The viewpoints, the path carved into the rock and the historical remains each provide their own emphasis: the path forms part of access to the Miradores, while Cerro Coronado and the defensive tower represent different historical traces.

Tradition

During the “Danzas y loa a la Virgen de la Hoz” event, a rosary procession travels from Molina de Aragón to the Santuario de la Virgen de la Hoz. This is followed by a mass and a performance of the “Loa”. Accompanied by music, eight dancers perform dances with sticks, swords and chains. The event concludes with a procession and the construction of the Castle of the Angel. The event combines a procession, religious celebration, performance and dance with a concluding procession and the construction of the Castle of the Angel.

Those who view Ventosa as a starting point for their own journey encounter different themes: a natural park and river landscape, geological classification, a sanctuary nestled into the rock, developed viewpoints, historical remains and a festive tradition. The places and forms mentioned can be given different weight independently of one another, depending on whether the focus is on the landscape, architecture, history or event.

Other places

Other places: Salmerón, Brihuega, Rillo De Gallo, Albendiego, Castejón De Henares, Hueva, Aldeanueva de Guadalajara, Trillo

For the higher-level travel overview: Guadalajara.