Gargantilla del Lozoya: Culture, Festivals and Landscape

Culture and History

Gargantilla del Lozoya is home to the Ermita de Santiago, which is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the “Historic Site” category. This designation was established by Decree 45/2019 of 21 May.

The hermitage is located 1.5 km from the centre of Gargantilla del Lozoya. It stands at the junction of the path from Gargantilla to the mill and the Cañadilla de las Tinadas livestock trail, and belongs to the Rinconada de las Cerradillas archaeological site.

The Iglesia San Benito Abad was rebuilt in 1943 over the ruins of an earlier 16th-century church. Its bell gable has two openings for the bells, while the granite-built entrance atrium has a round arch.

The Mural de Gargantilla del Lozoya – Moxaico depicts a portrait of Juana de Castilla, known as “La Beltraneja”, against a background in subdued colours. This background alludes to the flag of Castile; lettering framed by an abstraction recalls a medieval coffered ceiling.

Festivals

On 21 March, Gargantilla del Lozoya celebrates the festival in honour of its patron saint, San Benito Abad, with a Mass and a procession. Traditional music includes a gaita and a Segovian drum.

The summer festivals take place in the village square on the third weekend of August. The programme includes children’s games, fancy dress and music.

During the pilgrimage in honour of San Benito Abad, the brotherhood travels in procession to Las Fuentecillas on 5 July. The event includes various activities, children’s games and a raffle.

Nature and Trails

Oaks, ash trees, holm oaks and Pyrenean oaks grow within the municipality of Gargantilla del Lozoya; there are also natural meadows.

The section of the Vuelta al Cerro de la Cruz route near Gargantilla passes through higher ground with oak forests and open areas. At higher elevations, it offers broad views across the valley and then follows a path to a trail leading to Gargantilla.

When you turn towards Gargantilla, the Vuelta al Cerro de la Cruz route passes through Los Collados to Gargantilla. The information about the terrain, views and turn-off helps you mentally distinguish between the different types of trail.

Getting There

The journey from Madrid to Gargantilla del Lozoya covers approximately 80 km. It follows the A-1 to Lozoyuela and then the M-604, crosses the Río Lozoya over the Puente Taboada, passes the viaduct and goes through a tunnel. Then turn right onto the M-634, which leads to Gargantilla del Lozoya.

When searching for a holiday apartment in Gargantilla del Lozoya, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the offer pages. Cultural events, buildings and trail sections provide different starting points for your personal planning.

Other Places

Valdemanco, Villa Del Prado, San Martín De Valdeiglesias, Las Rozas De Madrid, Húmera, Belmonte De Tajo, Garganta De Los Montes, Daganzo De Arriba

For the higher-level travel overview: Madrid.