Torrelaguna

Situated in the heart of Jarama valley, in the Northeast of the Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid, Torrelaguna is famous for its historical figures - it is the birthplace of Cardinal Cisneros and of Santa María de la Cabeza and it was the home to San Isidro Labrador - and for its architecture that is the reason it was declared National Historic and Artistic Heritage Site in 1974.

The most iconic place of the town is the beautiful Plaza Mayor, where we can see the Town Hall (founded by Cardinal Cisneros in 1514 as a granary) and the Church of Santa María Magdalena (one of the best examples of Madrid’s Gothic architecture holding remains of the poet Juan de Mena and the tombstone of Alfonso Jiménez, Cardinal Cisneros’s father). We can also see the Hermanas Franciscanas Convent and the Cisneros Cross that was erected in 1802 in a place that used to be Cardinal’s birth house. Cardinal is known to have been very generous with donations to make his home town a better place. 

Walking around town you will also come across the remains of the old town wall from the 15^th century, other religious monuments like Madre de Dios Franciscan Monastery, civil constructions like the recently renovated Alhóndiga, the Centro Montalbán or the Casa de la Cultura. Houses and mansions also deserve our attention, especially the Palacio Arteaga, the Palacio Salinas or the Casa Vargas.

As a fun fact, Torrelaguna was one of the filming locations for the film The Pride and the Passion starring Cary Grant and Sophia Loren.

In the surrounding area, you should visit the Canal de Cabarrús (built in the late 18^th and early 19^th century) and the Canal de Isabel II and its headquarters located outside the town. The nature in Valle Medio del Jarama is very rich in hydraulic heritage.

Human traces in Torrelaguna date all the way back to Prehistory as we can see from different discoveries on several archaeological sites and in an Iberian fort. This town was part of Uceda since its foundation by the Romans until it was declared Free Town in 1390 by Juan I de Castilla.

Today you can still have a taste of some of its traditional recipes like stews made in clay pots or enjoy its traditional fiestas like Corpus Christi when in the beginning of June all the neighbors decorate the streets with flowers, the Romería de Santa María de la Cabeza in mid June or the patron saint festivities in honor of Virgen Nuestra Señora de la Soledad in September.

Within traditional Castillian culture and in Torrelaguna, dishes like roast suckling pig and breadcrumbs accompanied by grapes, Castillian soup or a broad-bean dish stand out. For menus packed with traditional Spanish dishes and a cosy atmosphere, you can try one of these restaurants: Alfolí de la Sal, Antigua Casa Patata or Casa Moraleda.

Torrelaguna is a great place for hikers since there are different cattle routes that go through this town like Pasturelands Cork Oak Route, Cardinal Cisneros Route, Canal Cabarrús Route or the ones connecting Torrelaguna with La Cabrera, Rascafría and Redueña. On our way we will come across hermitages, bridges, watchtowers and we can watch birds of prey and contemplate the Jarama valley and the surrounding towns.

Fans of cycle tourism can also follow several mountain bike routes in Torrelaguna. A natural area that stands out is Valgallego, which has been fitted out as a recreational area and is known for its holm oaks, cork oaks, and gall oaks.