Velilla de San Antonio – Nature and Culture at the Lagoons

The Lagunas de Velilla are among the protected wetlands of the Parque Regional del Sureste. The lagoon area of Velilla de San Antonio comprises open water surfaces, marsh vegetation and riparian forests. It originated from gravel extraction that reached the groundwater table; the excavated hollows subsequently filled with water.

Nature

The Laguna de El Sotillo y Soto Sur is considered the oldest lagoon; it covers approximately 12 hectares and is 2 to 3.5 metres deep. The Laguna del Picón de los Conejos covers approximately 27 hectares and is surrounded by a meander of the Río Jarama. The Lagunas de Miralrío are home to an interesting community of plants and animals.

Paths and Routes

The lagoon paths begin at the Laguna de El Raso, which is closest to the centre of Velilla de San Antonio, and run along its eastern side. The paths at the Lagunas de Miralrío start next to the wastewater treatment plant and the municipal cemetery of Velilla de San Antonio. There are two variants, which can be walked independently as out-and-back routes or combined into a circular route.

A 1,500-metre section of the former route of the Tren de la Azucarera runs from the Laguna El Raso towards Mejorada del Campo as far as the junction with the Camino del Sotillo. It can be used by pedestrians, cyclists and agricultural machinery; other motor vehicles are not permitted to use it. The historic Tren de la Azucarera transported sugar beet from the fields and properties along its route to the Azucarera de Madrid S.A. factory in the neighbouring town of La Poveda.

Along the Río Jarama, one section of the route passes through riparian forest with reeds, poplars and tamarisks. The different path types and the stated route lengths can be compared separately when planning your own trip.

Birdwatching

The Laguna de El Raso has an extensive and deep area of water where ducks, various grebes and great crested grebes can be observed. More waterfowl can be found there in winter. In the northern lagoon area, cormorants can be observed at the Laguna del Picón de los Conejos, particularly in winter, when they form roosts there and several birds gather.

On the Miralrío route, the cattle egret colony occasionally forms communal roosts with hundreds of birds. Activities for all age groups in Velilla de San Antonio include birdwatching and guided routes.

Other Places

Villarejo de Salvanés, Ciempozuelos, Aravaca, Serranillos del Valle, La Serna del Monte, Titulcia, Valdilecha, Montejo de la Sierra

Culture and Traditions

At the Centro de Tapices, visitors can learn about the history of traditional tapestry-making techniques; they can also learn the traditional production methods there. The Sala de Exposiciones Adolfo Suárez is a venue for art exhibitions and artistic creation in the Antiguas Escuelas.

The Auditorio Municipal Mariana Pineda is an important venue for cultural gatherings and artistic creation involving dance, music, theatre and cinema. The Iglesia de San Sebastián is one of the few notable buildings in Velilla de San Antonio. The former Baños de Peralta survive as ruins alongside the road.

The Fiesta Solidaria de la Pitanza is a traditional local event that combines gastronomy with solidarity. The Día de la Tortilla is a local tradition held on Jueves Lardero, also known as Fat Thursday.

The patronal festival in honour of the Santísimo Cristo de la Paciencia, the patron saint of Velilla de San Antonio, takes place every year at the end of September. It includes a procession through Velilla de San Antonio, during which members of the brotherhood carry the statue of Christ on their shoulders.

To the higher-level travel overview: Madrid.