Los Navalucillos: Nature Trails, Church Art and Local Traditions

Nature and Trails

Los Navalucillos showcases its natural landscape along the Ruta Sierra de la Botija. It runs along the left bank of the Río Pusa to the foot of the Sierra de La Botija and ends at small pools in the Río Pusa where, weather permitting, visitors can swim.

The Ruta Rocigalgo passes over the Collado del Chorro at an altitude of 1,318 metres and continues northeast towards the summit of Rocigalgo at 1,451 metres. Along the way, it offers sweeping panoramic views as well as opportunities to observe vultures, eagles, roe deer and red deer.

On the Ruta Hoces del Río Pusa, typical riverside vegetation, including ash and willow trees, accompanies the path. The route passes a rare mostajo tree and a large cork oak, reaching the Embalse del Rusa reservoir in its final section.

From the rocky ridges of the Ruta Solana de las Callejas, views extend over the Sierra de Gredos, broad agricultural plains, Los Navalucillos, the Río Pusa, La Calanchera, the Valle del Chorro, the Sierra de la Botija and Vallecasar. The Ruta de El Chorro leads to a waterfall more than 20 metres high.

The Ruta Minas y Collado de la Ermita can begin at the Las Becerras recreation area and follows a forest track towards El Chorro. It leads to mines that are fenced off to protect them from collapsing and disappearing. After crossing the Río Pusa over stone stepping stones, the Ruta Agroturismo Los Lucillos leads to three Lucillos near the Charco de la Mora.

Culture

The Museo Etnográfico de los Navalucillos presents the history and traditions of the local population in various sections covering agriculture, livestock farming, customs and everyday life.

The Ermita de Ntra. Sra. la Virgen de las Saleras dates from 1632, is designed in the Renaissance style and has a Latin-cross floor plan. The paintings on the dome interior were created in 1822.

In the Iglesia Parroquial de San Sebastián, the main altar was carved in 1702 and gilded in 1718; it was created by the José de Churriguera school. At the northern entrance, which is also called La Umbría, there is a cusped brick arch. The brick-built tower has been rebuilt several times and is crowned by a depiction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Visits and Information

The Museo Etnográfico provides visitors with a leaflet for a self-guided tour; visits are usually accompanied by a guide who works there. The Oficina de Turismo of Los Navalucillos is located in the Museo Etnográfico and provides information about the Parque Nacional de Cabañeros and its routes.

Other Places

Fuensalida, Castillo De Bayuela, Calera Y Chozas, Valdeverdeja, El Toboso, Illescas, Sonseca and La Iglesuela

Local Tradition

During a public demonstration, the work involved in a traditional home slaughter is shown, including cutting up the pig, kneading and stuffing.

To the overarching travel overview: Toledo.