Talamanca: Historic Traces and Paths in the Jarama Plain

Talamanca combines distinctive buildings with paths through the plain of the Río Jarama. The Puente Romano de Talamanca, in particular, offers a rich account of the town’s history: its origins probably date back to Roman times. Most of the surviving structure dates approximately from the 13th and 14th centuries. The structure has five arches, including four semicircular arches and one segmental arch.

History

The Ermita de la Soledad stands on the Camino del Puente. It is a Baroque chapel with a square floor plan commissioned by the Avendaño family in the 17th century. The walled area of Talamanca also includes the Puerta de Uceda and the Puerta de la Villa, also known as La Tostonera. The origins of this area are associated with the Muslim period. The northern section of the walls of Talamanca de Jarama is more than 100 metres long and includes seven towers, six of which are well preserved.

Distinctive Traces

The Ábside de los Milagros, also known as the Morabito, is the only surviving remnant of a Romanesque-Mudéjar church from the 13th century. Another historical trace leads to the Bodega del Arrabal: it was built in the 18th century by the Carthusian monks of the Santa María de El Paular monastery. Underground passages connect it with La Cartuja; wine was transported through these passages to the wine jars via stone conduits. La Cartuja has been used repeatedly as a film location since the 1960s.

Getting There

The Puente Romano de Talamanca can be reached from Talamanca by taking the westbound exit at the last roundabout and following the road for 1.1 kilometres to the bridge. East of the town centre, paths in the plain of the Río Jarama lead through riparian woodland and grain fields and can be used for cycling and walking. Guided tours must be requested a little in advance. The precise directions to the bridge, the activities mentioned and the required advance notice are separate points to consider when planning your day.

Landscape

The ZEPA Estepas Cerealísticas de los ríos Jarama y Henares is located in the surrounding area west of Talamanca. Among other species, great bustards can be observed there; this species is threatened with extinction. Thus, alongside the historic sites, a clearly designated natural area featuring a distinctive bird species is also a focus.

This gives personal circumstances their own place alongside the cultural and landscape-related topics.

Other places: Horcajo De La Sierra, Santorcaz, Alpedrete, Pelayos De La Presa, Velilla De San Antonio, Moralzarzal, Torremocha De Jarama and Estremera.

Archaeology

A Muslim pottery site in Talamanca de Jarama was selected because of its proximity to water and its location outside the medina, and remained active for several centuries.

To the overarching travel overview: Madrid.