Discover Ribatejada: Mudéjar church, nature and holiday apartment

Ribatejada is home to the Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro Apóstol, which is protected as a Monument and an Asset of Cultural Interest by Decree 107/1996 of 2 August 1996. This representative 15th-century Mudéjar building has a rectangular floor plan, three naves and a slender four-storey tower. Brickwork, masonry infill and a pitched roof define the structure.

Further destinations: La Estación, Carabaña, San Lorenzo De El Escorial, Robledo De Chavela, Serranillos del Valle, Cervera De Buitrago, Los Santos De La Humosa, Manzanares El Real

Culture

The cultural route begins at the town hall square and leads through Ribatejada’s old town, with its narrow, irregular streets and traditional one- or two-storey houses. Notable buildings include the Casa Grande. Throughout the year, the Fiestas in honour of the patron saint Santísimo Cristo de la Esperanza are part of local life; they take place in August and are held around the last Friday of the month. The Romería de San Antonio is celebrated on the Saturday closest to 13 June.

A religious festival in Ribatejada organised by the Hermandad de la Virgen takes place on the last Friday in May. During this festival, a procession is held through the town’s streets. The celebrations, scheduled at different times of the year, link the events calendar with religious traditions without concentrating their dates within a single period.

Nature and landscape

Ribatejada is part of the ZEPA Estepas cerealistas de los ríos Jarama y Henares. In this ZEPA, 90 % of the area is used for cereal cultivation, creating a cereal-steppe landscape that is important for the protection of steppe bird species. The marsh formations associated with the River Torote in the ZEPA are home to various populations of wintering birds.

Monte Chivares is the highest point in the municipality of Ribatejada. A circular hiking trail leads through Monte Chivares, which is largely covered by a well-preserved holm oak forest. From Monte Chivares, there are panoramic views of Ribatejada and large parts of the surrounding comarca. The landscape, the views and the forest are presented here in a clearly defined spatial context.

Paths and discoveries

The Fuente Vieja in Ribatejada is documented as early as 1580. A well-preserved mill can be visited nearby. The area around the Fuente Vieja also includes a recreational area with benches, tables and play facilities. The Cañada Real Galiana, a historic route that has been used for livestock herding for centuries, runs for just over 5 km through Ribatejada.

Ribatejada’s Red de Senderos Locales comprises four hiking trails on which activities such as cycling are possible. One of these local trails is signposted and has panels along the route for environmental education and interpretation. One local hiking trail is around 10 km long and passes through landscapes of ecological value. The different trail lengths provide a clear basis for comparing your day-planning options.

Getting there

Interurban bus route 251 provides a connection between Torrejón, Valdeavero and Alcalá. Interurban bus route 256 connects Madrid-Barajas, Daganzo and Valdeavero.

To the main travel overview: Madrid.