Puebla de la Sierra: Sculptures, Oak Forests and Mountain Trails

Puebla de la Sierra is home to the Valle de los Sueños, an open-air collection of 120 contemporary sculptures created by 63 sculptors. The works extend along a trail approximately 2 km long. This collection includes the Silla Gigante de Meira, a metal replica installed on the Loma del Estillo. A dedicated route to the Silla Gigante de Meira follows the GR88 to the sculpture on the Loma del Estillo.

Nature

Puebla de la Sierra is part of the Sierra del Rincón, which was declared a biosphere reserve in 2005 because of its model of sustainable development. From the Mirador de Los Buitres, the view extends across a rugged valley shaped by the Río de la Puebla to a vulture colony on the opposite slope. The town's old oak groves include trees estimated to be 600 to 700 years old.

The access road already passes pine forests, native oak groves and scrubland before continuing between pronounced gorges. The landscape, views and old trees each have their own distinctive features.

More destinations

Find more town pages at Robledillo De La Jara, Paracuellos De Jarama, Rascafría, Pelayos De La Presa, Buitrago Del Lozoya, Ribatejada, San Lorenzo De El Escorial and Cercedilla.

Trails

The Subida al Cerro Larda route begins in Puebla de la Sierra and leads to the 1,425-metre-high Cerro Larda. The por los Robles Centenarios route follows the Arroyo de la Cuesta and ends at the old washing place in Puebla de la Sierra. The por Los Linares route passes through a riverside forest and gardens still cultivated with vegetables and legumes.

Hiking trails, MTB paths and mountain roads for cycling are also part of Puebla de la Sierra. The various routes have different focuses, ranging from high-altitude trails and streams to riverside forests and cycling.

Culture

The parish church of Purísima Concepción in Puebla de la Sierra dates from the early 18th century. Its main structure consists of three naves divided by round arches and has an attached presbytery. The Ermita de la Soledad was built in 1564. It is currently used as a cemetery chapel and is located on the outskirts of La Puebla de la Sierra in the direction of Robledillo. The Fuente Árabe is located nearby.

La Fragua is a 16th-century building in the Arab style with a wooden structure and large masonry walls. It is still used to repair and make ploughs, hoes, horseshoes and nails. The Museo Japonés showcases contemporary Japanese painting. A guided tour of the Museo Japonés includes an accompanied visit through the museum as well as drawing, graphic works and contemporary Japanese art. A guided tour of the Valle de los Sueños includes an accompanied visit through the museum and the sculpture trail.

The traditional buildings of La Puebla de la Sierra feature dark stone and carefully restored wooden details.

Festivals and Traditions

The patron saint festivities in honour of the Virgen de los Dolores usually take place in the first or second week of September. The festivities include a procession from the hermitage to the parish church of Purísima Concepción, rondallas, traditional games and other activities throughout the town.

Getting There

La Puebla de la Sierra can be reached via the A-1, exit 76. Access roads lead there from Prádena del Rincón via the M-130 and from Robledillo de la Jara via a paved track. The access road to La Puebla de la Sierra may occasionally be closed in winter because of snow.

For the higher-level travel overview: Madrid.