La Losa: Sierra de Guadarrama, Granite and Historic Trails

La Losa lies at the foot of the Segovian slope of the Sierra de Guadarrama; from here, the Mujer Muerta can be seen. In the town center are the impressive granite formations of Las Peñotas, a characteristic feature of La Losa.

Natural Areas

La Losa’s natural area includes Cerro de la Revilla and the hills of Ceporrillos and Riofrío. Two viewpoints near La Losa offer views of the Palacio de Riofrío. The area around La Losa is surrounded by the Madrones and Matavacas streams.

Culture and History

The historic wool-shearing house Casa de esquileo was founded in 1515 by the Marqués de Santiago. In 1752, 24,000 sheep were sheared at the Casa de esquileo in La Losa. The history of the building is therefore closely linked to sheep shearing, which took place here on an exceptional scale.

The Ermita de San Pedro is an example of rural Segovian Romanesque architecture; its construction began in the mid-13th century. The secularized Ermita de San Pedro is currently used as a barn and serves as a pilgrimage site during the village festivals in September. The Iglesia de San Juan Evangelista features a Renaissance altarpiece, a Calvary scene, and a ribbed vault with terceletes.

Plaza de los Huertos is a picturesque place with numerous willows, which are used to make traditional handicrafts.

Trails and Landscape

The Ruta de La Losa a Ortigosa Del Monte is of low difficulty, takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, and can be completed via two routes: a longer 6 km route and a shorter, easier 4 km route. Holm oaks and ash trees grow along the route; there is also a birdwatching hide.

The Senda de los Pastores is 154.90 km long and includes La Losa as one of the places along its route. It runs along the Cañada Real Soriana Occidental, a path historically used by transhumant shepherds. The different route lengths make the trails comparable as separate points of reference for personal planning.

When planning a trip to La Losa, the Ruta de La Losa a Ortigosa Del Monte, the Senda de los Pastores, the Casa de esquileo, and the Iglesia de San Juan Evangelista can be considered side by side as distinct thematic focal points.

The references to short and long trails thus stand alongside architectural history and religious architecture; the patron-saint festivals and the wine and cheese fair also mark different dates throughout the year. These areas can be read separately and then connected to select one’s own area of interest.

Other places: Domingo García, Castroserna De Arriba, Torreiglesias, Navas De Oro, Martín Muñoz De Las Posadas, Valdesimonte, Ayllón and Castillejo De Mesleón.

Festivals and Local Life

The patron-saint festivals of La Losa are celebrated in honor of the Virgen de Cepones and San Roque. In La Losa, a wine and cheese fair takes place in December over the weekend of the Constitution Day holiday.

For the broader travel overview: Segovia.